FOR the last few weeks parliament has been in summer recess, giving MPs the chance to spend more time in their constituencies.

So while I have not been in Westminster it has still been a busy summer with a variety of constituency engagements covering businesses, charities and a few fun events.

I am fortunate to represent a beautiful and diverse constituency which, particularly during the summer, hosts a large variety of fetes and events — some very high-profile, now gathering national attention such as the always-brilliant Battle of Evesham re-enactment, whilst others are more low-key but nonetheless great fun.

I have enjoyed attending a number of such events over the summer right across the constituency and have also continued to meet with businesses and charities during the recess period.

Highlights include visiting Foster and Freeman in Evesham and Potter Space near Droitwich as well as the incredible Acorns Children’s Hospice whose amazing facilities help them to do the most important and sensitive work.

Of course, the work of government has continued throughout the summer as has the crucial task of opposition.

Throughout the summer I have continued to receive correspondence from constituents who are worried about the choices being made by the new Labour government.

Most notably, constituents are quite understandably worried about Labour’s decision to remove winter fuel payments from millions of pensioners.

I have continued to speak out against this decision in local and national media during the summer recess and look forward to continuing to hold the government to account as parliament returns.

I am now the shadow financial secretary to the treasury and will be keeping a particularly close eye on the new government’s plans for the budget.

There has also been much to celebrate over the last month and I would like to congratulate Droitwich’s Matt Richards for his incredible achievements at the Olympic Games, not least defending his gold medal as part of the 4x200-metre freestyle relay.

I am also excited to see four constituents competing at the Paralympic Games and have sent my very best wishes to Matthew and Rebecca Redfern, Matt Skelhon and Issy Bailey.

May I also take this opportunity to congratulate all those who have received their A Level, GCSE or equivalent qualifications in recent weeks.

I wish you all the very best for whatever lies ahead.