Westminster life: From Election Week to Everyday Delivery

It's been a whirlwind week in Westminster, but I've not let it distract me from getting on with the job here in Peterborough, writes city MP Andrew Pakes.

Local elections are never easy, and this year's results were tough for my party both locally and nationally. But I won't shy away from the message voters have sent. People want politics to rise to the challenges they face every day, and Labour must show, not just say, that we're listening and getting on with delivering the change our communities are crying out for.

My focus remains on getting on with the job in Peterborough. So, congratulations to everyone who was elected last week, and I look forward to working with you, regardless of party affiliation. We are better when we work together.

One of the things that makes Britain great is that people are willing to step forward and work to make their towns and cities better places. To all the candidates who had the courage to put themselves forward, thank you for your hard work on the campaign trail.

A special mention must go to Councillor Dr. Shabina Qayyum for her outstanding leadership of the council. Shabina is an amazing champion for our city, and I'm proud to work alongside her to deliver for Peterborough.

To me, one of the ways we can deliver for Peterborough is by turning around the decline in apprenticeships we saw under the last government. Last week I spoke in Parliament to highlight our progress on this, with Peterborough being one of the first places to be part of Labour’s Youth Guarantee. I was able to raise the achievements of the new Youth Hub at the POSH stadium as well as the work of Peterborough College and ARU Peterborough.

I'm also pleased to report that applications for the Pride in Place Board will close this Friday, with residents from Paston, Gunthorpe, Welland, Orton Malborne, and Orton Goldhay putting themselves forward to help deliver £40 million of community improvements. This investment represents a real opportunity to transform neighbourhoods across our city, and I can't wait to see the difference it makes.

Even more encouraging are the latest NHS figures showing waiting lists have fallen to their lowest level in three and a half years. Over half a million people have been taken off the waiting list since July last year, with March seeing the biggest monthly reduction in 17 years. For families in Peterborough who've been waiting too long for treatment, this represents real progress.

Many of you will have seen the building for our new NHS Community Diagnostic Centre going up by Wellington Street. Opening later in the year, it will offer 7-day-a-week appointments for scans and tests. It should have been completed in 2024, but thanks to support from the Labour Government, it will open its doors this year.

Of course, there's much more work to do. Last week's election results showed clearly that people don't think change is happening quickly enough. I hear that message loud and clear, and I'm determined to keep fighting for Peterborough, whether that's securing investment for our city centre, backing local police to tackle anti-social behaviour, or ensuring our schools and hospitals get the resources they need.