politics
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It ' s all change !
Danny Chambers , Winchester ’ s new MP , is focused on making a difference
politics
There ’ s a buzzy hum of activity in the Liberal Democrats ’ office . It ’ s all change for Winchester with Danny Chambers , now the local MP , already out campaigning , helping and getting results .
By the time we meet in late September he has undertaken case studies for more than 1,000 constituents . Danny says : “ I am learning what a difference an MP can make , sometimes simply by highlighting issues . It ’ s very satisfying helping people and making a tangible difference .”
He has hit the ground running , and he is accustomed to hard work and long hours . As a vet he worked nights so that he could spend his days on his parliamentary campaign , only resigning the day the election was called to campaign full-time . He considers it important that MPs have had jobs outside politics , particularly in the areas of science .
“ We have had Covid-19 and we have a climate emergency . If we ignore science it costs lives and the economy .”
He comments that the Liberal Democrats excel at pushing evidence-based campaigns that people care about , such as social care . With 72 MPs in the Commons , Danny says they will have a powerful voice as constructive critical opposition , asking questions about healthcare and the environment , particularly water pollution .
“ Our biggest focus , having spoken to people in the street and on the doorstep , is healthcare and the NHS . That ’ s people ’ s number one priority . There are record waiting lists , people are struggling to access their GP , and there are concerns about support for mental health .”
Danny recently became the Liberal Democrats ' spokesperson for mental health , a topic of particular importance for him as the suicide rate for vets is four times the national average .
Danny talks in practical terms : “ We can ’ t fix the NHS without fixing social care .” He wants to shift focus to keeping people healthy in the first place . This would improve pressures on A & E and also the performance of the police . He explains that the police spend 30 % -50 % of their time dealing with people with mental health difficulties . Supporting social care would free up police time to deal with crime .
He continues , “ The electorate voted for change nationally and locally and we want them to feel a noticeable difference .”
He admits that he will miss treating animals . Perhaps that is why he recently got a black lab puppy . He laughs : “ I thought I ’ ve got enough chaos in my life at the moment , let ’ s get a puppy !”
01962 868586 www . winld . org . uk
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