South West Norfolk MP Terry Jermy on his first 100 days as an MP

In his first fortnightly column, new South West Norfolk MP Terry Jermy discusses his first few weeks in Parliament…

This past weekend marked the first 100 days of the new Government and therefore my first 100 days as the Member of Parliament for South West Norfolk.

There’s been much to learn and much to do, including setting up the constituency office and recruiting a diverse and capable staff team. I am pleased we’re now up and running and supporting residents and thus far I have delivered six in-person surgeries at locations including Downham, Wimbotsham and Swaffham.

In addition, my team and I have processed more than 5,000 emails since the election in July. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed getting out and about and meeting with local groups, businesses and schools. Visits have included a trip to see first-hand the Internal Drainage Board (IDB) pumps in action at Southery and speaking with children as part of democracy week at St Martin school in Shouldham.

In Westminster, I’ve been pleased to ask questions in the Commons Chamber about IDB funding and support for Thetford’s poultry waste power station which is an important resource for local farmers. I’ve delivered my maiden speech in Parliament, providing an overview of our fantastic area and paying tribute to a former South West Norfolk MP Baroness Gillian Shephard. I’ve also spoken in a debate about SEND and how this is impacting families here in the constituency.

As a long-time councillor, I’ve always been passionate about local government which is why I have made time to meet a number of local councils during this first 100 days. I enjoyed meeting with Marshland St James Parish Council and was thoroughly impressed by their fantastic village hall. I was also delighted to meet with Downham Market Town Council where I found a dedicated and enthusiastic group of people wanting to move the town forward and I’ll be pleased to work with them to achieve this.

I promised to residents that I would prioritise health and social care issues if elected and I visited the Queen Elizabeth Hospital soon after the election. I routinely press the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on the urgent need for the rebuild. I’ve also met a number of times with members of the Integrated Care Board and other NHS representatives to raise concerns about dentistry provision and GP services in our area.

In addition to the new regular column in this publication, residents can stay up to date with what I am up to by viewing my weekly report published on my Facebook page ‘Terry Jermy for South West Norfolk’ and I can, of course, be contacted by email; terry.jermy.mp@parliament.uk

Many of our challenges in South West Norfolk are deep-rooted and complex, but I am confident that change has begun, and I look forward to supporting residents over the coming years.