Politically Speaking with Kim Leadbeater MP: 'I look forward to working with the newly elected representatives’
As spring gives way to summer, I hope you have been able to enjoy some time outdoors with family and friends and make the most of the beautiful green spaces we’re lucky to have across Spen Valley.
I was delighted with the announcement that Oakwell Hall in Birstall will benefit from a share of £127 million in government funding through the Arts Everywhere Fund. Oakwell Hall is a treasured part of our local heritage, and this investment will help preserve and enhance the site for future generations.
We recently had local council elections across Kirklees and I would like to congratulate all the successful candidates who were elected to serve. It takes bravery and courage to stand for public office, and involves huge sacrifices, particularly in terms of time with your loved ones. I would like to thank all out-going councillors for their service, and I look forward to working with the newly elected representatives to serve the residents of Spen Valley.
Community continues to be at the centre of my work both locally and in Westminster. While we are fortunate to live in an area with a strong sense of identity and community spirit, we also face challenges that require action and investment.
I met with the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government to discuss the government’s upcoming High Streets Strategy and ensure towns like ours receive the support they need to thrive. I also joined discussions about tackling “dodgy shops” and improving standards on our high streets.
Our pubs play an important role in bringing people together and providing local jobs. It was fantastic to visit The Pear Tree Inn in Mirfield following their recent refurbishment, to hear directly about the opportunities and challenges facing local hospitality businesses.
Alongside fellow Kirklees Labour MPs, I met with the CEO of Yorkshire Water to raise concerns residents have contacted me about, including rising bills, sewage discharges and wider concerns around accountability. I will continue pressing for improvements.
As a passionate advocate for sport and physical activity, I was proud to volunteer at this year’s London Marathon, and incredibly inspired by the stories of those taking part, including those from Spen Valley. I was also delighted to help set off the riders of all ages taking part in the annual ‘Tour de Roberttown’ bike ride.
Supporting children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) is a key priority for me. I hosted a roundtable at Spen Valley High School with local schools and Minister Georgia Gould MP, as well as meeting directly with parents. It is vital we get SEND reforms right.
Nationally, there have been many important developments, including Ofgem reforms to create a fairer energy market for consumers, the publication of the Women’s Health Strategy, and confirmation that the government has closed 11 asylum hotels as part of wider changes to the asylum system. There is of course much more to do, but in a very uncertain world, addressing the deeply entrenched problems the country faces as a result of so many years of mismanagement and neglect takes time, and anyone who pretends there are simple solutions to the complex problems we face is not being honest with the public – something which I think the vast majority of people understand.