Happy new year to all! As we look forward to the rest of 2024, I want to focus on one particular facet of politics: the economy.

We produced one of the most comprehensive economic responses in the world to the pandemic and the war in Ukraine.

It is undoubtedly the case, however, that these are difficult times.

As our economy recovers, the Government must take immediate action to fix the problems families face across the UK – like halving energy bills – while putting in place long-term solutions to build a more robust and more innovative economy that will guarantee a better future for the next generation.

With this in mind, the Government has focused on three immediate economic priorities: to halve inflation, grow the economy, and reduce debt.

As far as my own local priorities for the Eddisbury constituency are concerned, broadband coverage across the constituency continues to increase after a 50+ per cent improvement to date, our new Go-Too bus service is faring well, and the fare for thousands of single bus journeys in England will be capped at £2 until December 31, 2024.

For farmers, environmental land management schemes will pay for sustainable farming practices, improving animal health and welfare, reducing carbon emissions, and creating and preserving habitats.

And in addition to those, following the rescue of health services at Tarporley War Memorial Hospital, Leighton Hospital is looking forward to its own rebuild, as is the railway station at Beeston Castle & Tarporley.

So, despite continued turbulence for us all, I hope there is much to look forward to in 2024 – both locally and nationally.

And for me, personally, as I stand down as your MP, I hope you will give my successor as your Conservative candidate, Aphra Brandreth, your continued support for these priorities as we head towards a new Parliament.

It will continue to be a pleasure to represent you all until that moment comes, and a sadness to relinquish that role – the challenges of which you have all helped me enjoy so much.