Sir Mike Penning MP Update from Parliament
As we enter 2024 , which will be my last year as MP , I cannot help but look back at the long journey since I was first selected as candidate at a Conservative party selection meeting at Hemel Hempstead School in 2001 . I will step back from front-line politics at the General Election .
I have been involved in Hemel Hempstead politics for over 20 years and I am immensely grateful to local people for entrusting me with the privilege of representing them in Parliament . It has , without doubt , been the greatest honour of my life .
Whilst I have been fortunate enough to have held Ministerial posts in seven government departments during my time in Westminster , it has been the role of local MP that I have relished the most .
Being an MP during the last 19 years has certainly been a roller coaster of a ride . The coalition , the EU referendum , Brexit , the Covid pandemic , Putin ’ s appalling invasion of Ukraine and , most recently , the terrible events in the middle east .
Whilst all these international events clearly impact my work , the majority of my time is ( rightly ) taken up with Parliamentary and constituency work . I am particularly proud of the positive impact I have made through constituency casework . Over the years , I have had the privilege of meeting thousands of local people and helping to resolve their concerns , from issues with housing and benefits to difficulties with government departments . Casework can be deeply rewarding , and I have always been impressed by the strength of spirit and the sense of community that we have here in the Hemel Hempstead constituency .
As I enter my final year as Hemel Hempstead ’ s MP , I am confident that the future of Hemel Hempstead is bright . This community has a rich history of innovation , enterprise , and community spirit . We are truly blessed with being in a great location surrounded by greenery and close to the National Trust ’ s Ashridge estate . I am not surprised that Hemel Hempstead was recently voted the 7th happiest place in the country , and I have no doubt that Hemel Hempstead will continue to thrive and grow .
Until the General Election – whenever that may be – I will continue to work hard to represent you and my office is open for anyone who needs help .
www . penning4hemel . com | mike . penning . mp @ parliament . uk | 01442 251126
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