It's a very good challenge Ian. Some of us are trying (appreciate a backbench MP may not qualify as a leader), but we need to collectively do much more.

I had a call this evening and am returning to the backbenches. It was a brief stint as a PPS to DBT, but I enjoyed every moment and was made to feel valued by Peter Kyle and his team. My statement is below.

Local Govt is being simplified and streamlined. Hatfield and Welwyn Garden City rightly stay together and we'll join Stevenage and much of North Herts in one of four new unitary authorities for our county. Shared history, linked by the A1M corridor and most importantly, clarity for residents.

It's goodbye to the Conservative Party we used to know. A little video on what Kemi Badenoch now expects from aspiring Conservative MPs. Those who care about the climate or human rights need not apply.

Very pleased to have written for @labourlist.bsky.social on the politics of opportunity and aspiration🌹 I cover the case for a UC top-up payment to parents of young children, the Citizens Advance and Plan 2 Student Loans. Full article: labourlist.org/2026/07/the-...

Welcome news. I left X last year and not regretted it for a moment. Under Musk, X has become a tool for promoting his extreme world view, built on an algorithm that suppresses voices he dislikes and allows racist abuse to flow freely. Twitter was once the global town square, X is nothing like it.

There is much to commend about the Defence Investment Plan. We must meet the £5bn shortfall and as a Labour Party, be open about the trade-offs and choices to come. Our next PM will be Andy Burnham and to maximise his chances of success, he must be provided with all the information he needs.

Q1 ONS figures on the economy make for encouraging reading. Broad based growth in 11 of 14 sectors. Borrowing down. Inflation forecasts improved. Confirmation that the UK grew faster than anyone else in G7 in first 3 months of this year. A real achievement. www.ons.gov.uk/economy/gros...

On the tenth anniversary of Brexit, the cost to the country is more stark than ever. We debated Defence investment in the Commons today. It felt appropriate to remind Conservative benches that leaving the EU has weakened our economy and as a result, made it harder to invest in our armed forces.

The resignation of a Prime Minister elected less than two years ago is a sad moment for my party and will be for many in the country. My statement is below.

Congratulations to @andyburnham.bsky.social On the doorstep, I saw that unique connection with the people of Makerfield. An optimistic, hopeful and authentically local campaign. Reform and Restore soundly defeated. The politics of division rejected. A great Labour win!🌹

🇬🇧 🇬🇧 🇬🇧 Fly the flag with pride: the first all British podium since 1968!

🌎 The World Cup starts tomorrow. No, not that one... Women's cricket is one of the fasting growing sports in the country and we are hosts for the World T20. The England team beat India in their recent warm-up series and ticket sales have already broken records. Cricket is coming home. 🏏

1/2 Not everyone can rely on the Bank of Mum & Dad. Opportunity is still too determined by wealth and that has to change. The Citizens Advance would give financial support to young people when they need it most. My ambition is for the Citizens Advance to be in the next Labour manifesto.

Very pleased to have been appointed as a PPS to DBT. In less than two years... A new industrial strategy defined, trade deals worth billions signed and the Employment Rights Act passed. Lots achieved, lots more to do. Looking forward to playing a part in supporting such a crucial department.

Data from @octopus.energy shows demand for solar panels and heat pumps is up. The public is embracing renewables and it is welcome news. But the market alone can't fix the energy transition. It's right and necessary that our Labour Government is stepping up. Excerpt from my speech yesterday 👇

The plan is working. Six interest rate cuts in the first two years of a Labour government, with inflation falling again this morning. Chief economist at the ONS on the drivers of falling inflation.... "This was due to the government's energy bill support package".

In the Commons today, Clare Coutinho confirmed to me that she has, "changed her mind" and given up on Net Zero. Genuinely sad to see them abandon the green agenda to chase Reform votes. The future is clean, green and renewable energy. Our Labour Government gets it. The Conservatives have lost it.

A new day in Westminster. The King's Speech is a moment to come together behind a Labour legislative programme. From strengthening the UK/EU relationship, bringing the leasehold system to an end, to how we can accelerate to energy independence. It's not time for a leadership election 👇

Proud to be one of the signatories. Standing with colleagues across the country who agree this is absolutely not the time for a leadership contest. The last 48 hours have been a gift to our opponents. Time to get behind the Prime Minister and focus on delivery in the next parliamentary session.

Labour is still the largest party on Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council. Proud of candidates and campaigners who fought an excellent campaign. It could have been better still. Three wards lost narrowly to Reform because of small numbers voting Green. Am determined we win back those voters and seats.

Very proud of the positive and authentic local Labour campaign we have fought in Welwyn Hatfield these last few months. Vote Labour tomorrow 🌹

The attacks in Golders Green were antisemitic and nothing short of evil. A brief statement below.

My first session of Parliament wrapped 67 contributions in the Commons & 462 votes! NHS waiting lists down. The Minimum wage up in real terms. Stronger rights for renters & workers. Rail fares frozen and the launch of GB Railways Lots done, lots more to do. Westminster: see you in a fortnight.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Happy St George's Day! I hope you celebrate with a smile. Happy to admit that I think the English sense of humour is part of what makes us special. Well said Hugh.

We can't afford to be so reliant on fossil fuels. Trump's War has proven that beyond any doubt. On a windswept House of Comons Terrace, I welcomed some of the actions the Labour Government announced today to accelerate the transition to cheap, green energy.

The discovery, production and rollout of Covid vaccines in UK found to have saved approximately 475,000 lives. Government, scientists, civil society working together to a common goal. This deserves to be celebrated as a historic collective achievement. covid19.public-inquiry.uk/wp-content/u...

Post on Truth Social Vs the truth, as posted on social media. Two very different things. www.solarpowerportal.co.uk/solar-projec...

President Trump has had at least 3 positions on the Strait. First, he wasn't interested in it as the US, 'didn't need it.' Second, a 'joint venture' with Iran was on the table. Now, a blockade. In the Commons, I called this out and thanked our PM for spending his time on diplomacy, not social media.

🏘 In Welwyn Hatfield, our Labour led council just completed on this council house development. A really high quality scheme in WGC. Homes are EPC B or EPC A and there are EV charging points too. Doing everything we can to keep our council Labour led - so we can keep delivering schemes like this.