Kevin Bonavia MP: My first 100 days as the new Stevenage MP

It’s an honour to be writing to you after my first 100 days as the newly elected MP for Stevenage. At the same time as I’ve published my first monthly online Newsletter, I’m writing this column to update you on the work I’ve been doing. Please copy this link to sign-up: https://mailchi.mp/parliament/kbnewsletter

When I was elected, I made it clear to you that my focus would be on restoring the role of MP to its founding purpose - public service. With that came a number of personal promises, which I'm proud to report are being delivered.

Completing casework

Due to the sheer inactivity of the previous MP, my office inherited a backlog of serious casework issues. I can report that my team and I are making good progress to get on top of the issues, completing over 250 constituent cases so far and responding to thousands of local and policy queries via email.

Local advice surgeries

I promised to be accessible to all. That’s why I’ve already held 9 local advice surgeries which have helped me understand individual issues and identify how I can support residents. You can email me using details at bottom to book a slot at an upcoming advice surgery.

Attending local events

I’m proud to call Stevenage my home, and I’m even prouder of the strong community spirit that binds us together. I’ve been attending as many local events as I can to stay in touch with the area, from local fetes to our religious communities to groups and organisations.

Engaging with schools

For far too long, local schools were frozen out of the political process. That’s why I’ve started a school trips to Parliament scheme, offered every school a personal visit for a Q&A with students and launched a primary school Christmas card competition.

Standing up for Stevenage in Parliament

I promised to speak up for Stevenage in Parliament, so I’ve used the time I’ve had so far to raise a number of local issues that you told me to prioritise. I’ve voted 18 times, lobbied ministers to invest in our area, secured 3 new fast trains to London and spoke in debates on SEND, Defence, Transport, Foreign Affairs, Education and Devolution.

Delivering on policy commitments

At national Labour Party Conference, the Prime Minister set up out the changes the Government has made so far. Planning reformed, doctors back in theatre, new solar and offshore wind projects, Great British Energy launched, One-word Ofsted judgements ended, a Border Security Command and a National Wealth Fund getting Britain building again.

I was also proud to have voted for the Employment Rights Bill, which will strengthen workers rights, the Renters’ Rights bill to ban no-fault evictions and the Public Ownership Bill, which will gradually bring railways into public hands as ineffective contracts expire.

If you want to get in touch, please contact me on kevin.bonavia.mp@parliament.uk. My team and I are always happy to help.

Kevin Bonavia MP at a monthly advice surgery