Just over a year ago, I left my 25 year NHS career to dedicate my life to a group of patients who remain largely unseen and unheard by the NHS - people with severe #LongCOVID and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (#ME). π§΅
youtu.be/pk00btt7CVs?...
Just over a year ago, I left my 25 year NHS career to dedicate my life to a group of patients who remain largely unseen and unheard by the NHS - people with severe #LongCOVID and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (#ME). π§΅
youtu.be/pk00btt7CVs?...
The result in Gorton and Denton is very disappointing. We will reflect, act & continue to learn lessons in the coming days & weeks. Today, I want to thank Angeliki Stogia for her energy & positivity over the campaign, the brilliant Labour staff & thousands of volunteers who worked their socks off.
27.02.2026 12:54 β π 72 π 11 π¬ 0 π 0
My column in todayβs Sunday Mirror - a call to Mancs (and others!) ππ» @politics.mirror.co.uk
Please buy a copy of the paper too.
π¬ Share your views on the future of the BBC π
Your views will help inform decisions about the BBCβs direction in the years ahead.
With four weeks remaining until the consultation closes, responses are invited before 10 March.
Respond to the consultation here: dcms.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...
ποΈ Our markets are a vital part of our local identity and ecosystem. Markets and hospitality are key to reviving our high streets β thatβs why Iβve asked the Minister to meet with me to discuss a national traderβs strategy to secure a strong pipeline for future success. π€
09.02.2026 08:30 β π 5 π 2 π¬ 0 π 0UPDATE - I have now received a reply from the Greens apologising for the oversight in using my image and quote without consulting me and giving assurance it won't happen again. That's good enough for me, so I won't be taking any further action beyond writing it all up for my Substack
04.02.2026 17:48 β π 342 π 48 π¬ 12 π 9This is simply untrue. There have been multiple debates on Gaza brought by members of different parties, plus of course Statements and Urgent Questions. Hansard shows the record of all of these - I've spoken in a good few.
05.02.2026 09:27 β π 14 π 2 π¬ 3 π 0
High streets fail when the barrier to entry is too high for local talent.
Weβre fixing the pipeline. Co-operative spaces like Leigh Spinners Mill act as essential incubators, giving small businesses the support they need to find their feet.
Hear more from @joplatt.bsky.social
Just a quick note to @greenparty.org.uk and @greenpartyhan.bsky.social - I was not consulted on being quoted on your leaflets and I have not endorsed your campaign (or any campaign in this seat). I think this note, like the bar chart next to it, is misleading and out of context.
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Entries are now open for the Small Business Growth Awards π£
If you run a small business, or know one that deserves recognition, Iβd really encourage you to apply. It would be great to see our local businesses celebrated nationally.
Entries close 9 February 2026 so get your nominations in ASAP!
The use of Grok AI to generate and distribute sexualised content, including material appearing to involve children, is appalling and unacceptable. Safeguards are failing. Alongside fellow MPs, Iβve written to the Secretary of State for Science and Technology calling for urgent, strong AI regulation.
04.02.2026 10:22 β π 5 π 0 π¬ 1 π 0
How is it that a church warden behind an interior design firm originally incorporated in the BVIs & tied to a Kazakh billionaire can make a Β£200,000 donation to Reform UK?
Source of funds not disclosed.
Farage has questions to answer.
The Electoral Commission must investigate.
Thereβs been a lot of talk about ADHD being over-diagnosed β but the evidence doesnβt support it.
ADHD is under-recognised, under-diagnosed and under-treated.
When ADHD goes undiagnosed, it doesnβt disappear. It shows up in our health services, our schools and our criminal justice system. π
Only Labour can defeat Reform in Gorton and Denton. A vote for the Greens or any other party risks them getting in.
We are a tolerant, proud, progressive city and we donβt want their divisive brand of politics here.
Also spent Monday listening to the team at Aviva and Factory Intl. Completely blown away by their facilities and outreach (Factory were part of the Herds project at Pennington Flash).
So much talent, right here in the north west - impacting stages all over the world. Right on our doorstep!
Am amazing two day visit to my old haunt of Manchester and Salford with the Commons Culture Media Sport Select Committee.
Visiting the regions best in stop motion animation, the BBC for Newsround, CBeebies and Blue Peter - and bumped into our old friend from Wigan - Hacker T Dog.
The killing of Alex Pretti is a heartbreaking tragedy. It should also be a wake-up call to every American, regardless of party, that many of our core values as a nation are increasingly under assault.
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Great to see the Ministry of Defence leaning in to its responsibilities to halve violence against women and girls with this new law for victims of sexual assault, domestic abuse or stalking by serving military personnel.
www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic...
This week I spent time with Samaritans to talk about how we can work together to reduce the number of people who die by suicide. Iβd encourage everyone to take a moment for a cuppa and a chat with family or friends. A simple conversation can make more of a difference than we sometimes realise. π
24.01.2026 08:54 β π 6 π 1 π¬ 0 π 0
NATO Article V has been triggered only once: by the US after 9/11.
When our ally called, we in the UK didn't hesitate to stand with them.
636 British men & women paid the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq and Afghanistan, with many more living with their injuries today.
Supporting residents across the constituency is always my number one priority.π
The feedback below reflects the experiences of constituents weβve been able to support this month and means a great deal to me and my team.
If thereβs anything I can help with, please donβt hesitate to get in touch.
Earlier this month, I visited Sei Do Kan Shotokan Karate Club in Howe Bridge and got to see first-hand just how much the club means to everyone involved. π₯
Founded by international champion and dedicated instructor Billy Higgins, I was proud to highlight his incredible work in Parliament πͺβ¨
π§‘ Iβm proud to have put Leigh forward for the Governmentβs Town of Culture competition.
From our rich industrial heritage to our sporting success, creativity and strong sense of community, this town deserves to be seen and celebrated.
ADHD services are at breaking point. Families are waiting too long, costs are soaring, and there is a lack of oversight.
As Chair of the APPG on ADHD, Iβll be following the Health Secretaryβs Independent Review closely and continuing to push for better access, experiences and outcomes for all.
First door-knock of 2026 in Tyldesley - With Cllr Jess Eastoe and other members.
As always, really good to speak with residents on the issues that matter to them.
Help shape my priorities for 2026. π
As we enter the new year, I am reviewing my commitments as your MP.
I want to ensure my goals for the year ahead β both locally and nationally β reflect the issues that matter most to constituents.
Let me know what youβd like me to prioritise this year.
β Before we head into the new year, hereβs a quick look at what Iβve been working on in 2025:
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π From March 2026, older and disabled bus pass holders will be able to travel FREE at any time on Bee Network buses β with the 9.30am restriction permanently removed.
Alongside this, the Bee Network is committed to keeping the Β£2 single bus fare and freezing all fares until the end of 2026.
It was great to visit and help out at Compassion in Action, who do incredible work supporting our community. From presents for local families to essential food hampers, and fuel vouchers donated by the local authority, this support is making a real difference to those who need it most. π
24.12.2025 10:00 β π 3 π 0 π¬ 0 π 0
As the coldest months of the year settle in and Christmas fast approaches, for many, the reality of homelessness becomes harder than ever.
I welcome the Governmentβs National Plan to End Homelessness, informed by lived experience and frontline workers to ensure support is targeted and effective.