I spent some time last week away in Liverpool, where the annual Labour Party conference was held.
I can be a reluctant traveller, as my overriding focus is on supporting people at home in Welwyn Hatfield, but this was an important week for all of us who want to see our new government succeed.
Labour MPs, businesses, charities, trade unions and campaign groups came together to discuss our priorities for the future.
I spoke at a series of events on housing, talking about the importance of building more social homes and what we can learn from how WGC and Hatfield were planned and delivered as New Towns.
The Prime Minister made a very personal speech about his vision for politics and how we build trust in our communities. This section struck a chord with me in particular:
"Our driving purpose is to show to the working people of this country that politics can be a force for good.
"Service doesn’t mean we’ll get everything right. It doesn’t mean everyone will agree.
"But it does mean we understand that every decision we take, we take together and that it is our duty to the British people to face up to necessary decisions in their interest."
I’ve been out canvassing in Howlands in WGC and Hatfield in the last couple of weeks and I am finding people really value meeting an MP who visits outside of an election period.
As the Prime Minister says, people don’t want the false promise of quick fixes, they want something substantive and different.
If I’m knocking on your door in Welwyn Hatfield just weeks after being elected, it’s not to seek votes, but to ensure local people know I am there to listen to their opinions and concerns.
It will take time, but it’s clear the Prime Minister is working to change the political culture. He’s not interested in being judged by short-term headlines, but by how we deliver for communities like Welwyn Hatfield over the next five years.
It’s a refreshing change from the last 14 years and I believe it’s a much better way to do politics, for all of us.
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