Earlier this week, the government revealed its proposals for devolution. Here it’s likely to mean the abolition of the County Council and instead Norfolk and Suffolk sharing an elected mayor and a ‘strategic authority’. It’s also likely that smaller district (and ‘city’) councils will be replaced by larger unitary authorities.…

And, as ever, big thanks to David Shenton for the wonderful illustration.

I am excited that Norwich Theatre kindly invited me to attend this year’s Christmas pantomime—a reimagining of the classic Aladdin, but with a special twist: It’s set right here in Norwich! This family-friendly production is the perfect festive treat for children and adults alike. It’s filled with laughter, magic, and…

I had the pleasure of attending the opening of Bowthorpe’s new pharmacy, a long-awaited event officiated by the Deputy Lord Mayor. This marks the triumphant return of a crucial service the community lost in 2022, sparking a determined campaign to bring it back. The reopening is thanks to the tireless…

I recently visited The Shoebox Enterprises, a local social enterprise working to “unite people”. Their community hub is a warm and welcoming space where people can meet, share experiences, and support one another. During my visit, I met some of Shoebox’s users. I heard their thoughts on how national issues,…

I met East of England Ambulance workers who travelled to Parliament to ask MPs to stop the closure of Bedford’s emergency call centre. In September, the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (EEAST) told staff it was going to shut the Bedford EOC, diverting calls to Chelmsford and…

I have written to the Rt Hon Lisa Nandy, Secretary of State for Culture, Media, and Sport, urging her to continue of Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme, which is set to end in March 2025. Introduced in 2001, this vital scheme has been the sole grant available to all…

I sponsored the Parliamentary launch of UNISON’s new report, ‘Clean water: a case for public ownership’. In my remarks launching the report, I said that the public has lost trust in the ability of government to deliver for them in so many areas. Water is just one of them. It’s…

It’s Small Business Saturday. Here are six reasons to back our city’s fantastic independent traders today (and every day!). ` 1. MONEY SPENT HERE STAYS HERE Local retailers return a far greater proportion of their revenue to the local economy. Locals keep well over 50% of revenue in the neighbourhood…