I was proud to support Tom Tugendhat from early on in the leadership election. We need a clean start and I believe that Tom would bring integrity back into politics and deliver for all parts of the United Kingdom. Once he was out of the contest, I did not join any other team but instead will join the members of the Conservative Party in carefully listening to both remaining candidates over the summer period before deciding who to vote for.
I am proud that the first scheduled TV debate was held in North Staffordshire and am listening carefully to what both candidates have to say. We have many challenges ahead both at home and abroad and we need a government of integrity and character that will deliver for the British people.
Hosting my Pensioners and Carers Advice Fair
I hosted my Pensioners’ and Carers’ Advice Fair recently at Moorlands House in Leek. This was the first in-person, large scale event that I have hosted since the pandemic and it was so good to see the many people who turned up to see the advice that was on offer.
Thank you to SMDC and Sporting Communities for sponsoring the event and to all the organisations that had a stand and took part. As I made my way around the tables, I heard again and again how useful people found it to be able to speak to a real person about issues and concerns.
Biddulph Churches Together Open Café
I recently visited the Open Café run by Biddulph Churches Together as part of the Biddulph Festival. It was great to have a cup of tea and some cake and join in the Italian themed morning. The café was packed – which is hardly surprising given the quality of the tea and cakes and the warm welcome given to all.
Visiting Local Schools
It is always a pleasure to be invited to visit our local schools. Here are just some of the ones I have been to recently:
My visit to St Anne's C.E. (VC) Primary School in Brown Edge coincided with their Summer Fair and it was lovely to meet all the staff and children and to see everyone having so much fun with the big top performances and all the stalls.
I also had a lovely visit to St Bartholomew’s CE (VC) Primary School where I was given a tour of the school and then took part in a school assembly with a Questions & Answers session. I was also delighted to be asked to hand out the Queen's Platinum Jubilee books to the children.
Visiting Leek Cricket Club
I was pleased to visit Leek Cricket Club and speak to Chairman of the Grounds Committee, Malcolm Tweats, about his idea to collect and store rain water for use on the pitch during dry weather.
Welcoming Minister for Children and Families to the Moorlands
It was great to welcome the Minister for Children and Families, Will Quince MP to the Moorlands. We had a tour of Stanley Head Outdoor Education Centre, one of the holiday activity and food (HAF) programmes in Staffordshire and saw some of the canoeing activities taking place.
Werrington Community Volunteers
I was delighted to return to the Werrington Community Library and Wellbeing Centre recently to meet members of the Werrington Community Volunteers Group.
Since my last visit, the library has installed a new kitchen and storage area and it was great to hear how well the specially designed Garden Therapy Lodges have been received.
Farming and Agriculture
It was great to talk to local farmers with Tom Tugendhat MP on a visit to Brian Goodwin’s Farm in Upper Hulme.
We discussed many issues including post Brexit trade deals, welfare standards in other countries, staffing problems as well as their concerns about price increases. It was also lovely to be able to see some of the animals.
Here to help
As always, doing my best to help local people in Staffordshire Moorlands is the most important part of the job and it is very rewarding to be able to help where I can.
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch by emailing me at [email protected] if I can be of assistance or you can write to me:
Rt Hon Karen Bradley MP,
Unit 24 The Smithfield Centre
Haywood Street
Leek, Staffordshire Moorlands
ST13 5JW.
