As 2023 draws to a close, many of us will look back over a year that has seen significant change. I marked my first full year as a Member of Parliament, and the Christmas break affords me the opportunity to reflect on some of the things that have happened since I was elected.

Since that time, we’ve had three Prime Ministers and the coronation of a new Monarch. We’ve also seen enormous price rises, and huge interest rate rises that followed Liz Truss’ disastrous mini budget.

Over the past twelve months, my team and I have helped almost 5,000 people with a wide range of issues. These include everything from housing to bin collections, from social care to passports, and particularly on bread-and-butter issues during these cold winter months.

In addition to the local casework, I have also been leading several campaigns on several key local, regional, and national issues. As a backbench MP, I do not have all the influence of a government minister, but nor am I distracted by ambition or trappings of Ministerial office; I can dedicate myself to the service of the community.

I’ve continued to challenge the Government in Parliament on the protection of local banking services. Last month, I opened the new Banking Hub in Axminster, enabling residents to access full banking services in the town once more. I am pressing the Government to introduce hubs across our area, such as in Sidmouth.

My campaign to protect wild camping on Dartmoor served to maintain pressure on those seeking to limit access to the moor. Shortly after I tabled a Bill to enshrine the right to wild camp in law, we saw the ban lifted. Closer to home, I have seen successes in my advocacy for a new railway station in Cullompton and the re-opening of the Police station front desk in Honiton.

I have sought to hold to account the Government for its slack approach to regulating the performance of South West Water and other water companies, not least in relation to so-called dry spills of sewage into our rivers and seas. In February 2023, I successfully changed the law to prevent taxpayers’ money being leant to water firms unless they develop comprehensive plans to end sewage discharges.

As we enter 2024, I want to make a promise to you. In an age when we see MPs falling from grace or resigning in disgrace, my ambition is to continue to serve our communities here and ensure our area gets a fair deal.

As always, if you have any issues, you can contact me by calling 020 7219 8349 and leaving a voicemail or by emailing me at Richard.foord.mp@parliament.uk