Really good conversations with residents about the issues that matter most locally — from day-to-day concerns to the bigger picture. Thank you to everyone who took the time to stop and chat. Listening on the doorstep is one of the most important parts of the job, and I’ll keep making sure Lydney’s voice is heard.

Following recent correspondence from the Police and Crime Commissioner, Chris Nelson, I, Alex McIntyre for Gloucester , and Simon Opher for Stroud have responded in a joint letter, set out in full below. That correspondence related to proposals for increased police precept flexibility—which would be funded through higher council tax—and a one-off Home Office grant for IT systems. At a time when residents across Gloucestershire continue to face cost-of-living pressures, we do

I’ve heard from constituents across the Forest of Dean who feel their voices haven’t always been listened to when it comes to maternity and neonatal care. This is an important opportunity to change that. Baroness Amos is asking women and families across England to share their experiences as part of the National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation. The evidence gathered will help shape its findings and recommendations for the future. If you or someone close to you has experie

This morning, I attended a really important meeting to discuss the reality of the hospitality sector in the Forest of Dean and beyond. Alongside Phil at The Farmer's Boy Inn , I met with Wayne Childes from The King’s Arms, Newent; Wayne Edge from Flamin Edges at The Yew Tree , Longhope; Mark Terry-Lush from the Wye Valley & Forest of Dean Tourism Board; and Jonathan Lane, the District Council’s Cabinet Member for the Economy. The hospitality sector plays a vital role in commu

A huge thank you to Mrs Burke and the students at Yorkley and Parkend Primary Schools for taking the time to show me around their schools and chat with me last week. From outdoor learning and online safety to shared values and inspiring learning spaces, we talked about so many of the great things happening in these brilliant schools. The hard work, commitment and care shown by all staff is clear in the happiness and confidence of the children. It was fantastic to see not only

So many of you and your families will rely on Lydney Dial-a-Ride’s essential transport service. This week, I was grateful to meet Louise and the team to talk about the incredible work they do across the Forest of Dean, from taking children to school to getting residents to hospital appointments and so much more. We are incredibly lucky to have services like this that provide accessible, door-to-door transport, filling the gaps in our transport links and keeping our communitie

On the 13th of November, I asked landlords and the public across the Forest of Dean to engage with me about the issues they have been experiencing and shared a live survey for them to complete. The survey can be found here: https://www.wixforms.com/f/7394715048662270982 Following this call for engagement, I wrote directly to landlords across the Forest of Dean to encourage further involvement. That letter was sent on the 18th of November and is available below. It's disappoin

MP SEND Event Parent carers, educators, and SEND professionals are invited to my third SEND Event, this time bringing parent carers together with educators, support services and professionals to drive meaningful, practical improvements that matter. The evening will include professionals offering support for parent carers, alongside updates from me on government progress and a continued commitment to provide tangible support and improvements. 26th February 6pm–8pm Central Fore

Great opportunity for young people! National Grid is offering a range of paid apprenticeships across engineering, business, digital and more, with on-the-job training and recognised qualifications. If you or someone you know is looking to build a long-term career in the energy sector, this could be a great opportunity. Find out more and apply here https://jobs.nationalgrid.com/.../early.../apprenticeships

Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service is consulting on its new Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP) for 2026–2030 and wants to hear from local people. This plan sets out how GFRS will identify and manage risks in our communities over the next four years – including fire cover, flooding and wildfires, learning from major national incidents, improving culture within the Service, and making sure resources are used effectively. Your views will help shape how the Service operat

Happy New Year to everyone across the Forest of Dean! As we begin this new year, I’d like to share some of my priorities and what I’ll be working on for the Forest of Dean in the months ahead. You can read my article here: https://www.theforester.co.uk/.../the-view-from ... I am committed to serving the Forest of Dean on the issues that matter most to you, and to making sure our voice is heard in Westminster. I am wishing you all a very Happy New Year.

Just before they broke up for Christmas, I had the opportunity to meet and chat with some sixth form students from Dene Magna. It was brilliant to talk with them about exciting projects ahead and get a real feel for what matters most to them, and to young people more broadly. Visiting schools and engaging with students of all ages is really important to me, and I’m committed to ensuring this only increases as we head into 2026. Thank you to all the staff and students for taki

I would like to wish everyone across the Forest of Dean, and beyond, a very Merry Christmas. I am sending my best wishes for a happy Christmas and a good year ahead. The Forest of Dean’s strength has always been its people, and that’s never clearer than during this festive season. Thinking of you all during this special time—Merry Christmas!

Pleased to celebrate the delivery of 37 new affordable homes in the Forest of Dean. The government is committed to delivering 1.5 million new homes and projects like these show what can be achieved when partners work together to meet local housing needs. These developments will provide much-needed affordable homes for local people, available to rent or through Shared Ownership. This is a strong example of how thoughtful development can support thriving, sustainable communitie

It’s been a week since the team at Lydney Boxing Club put on their annual boxing show. Some of our office were lucky enough to attend and, once again, Bryan, and the team delivered an impressive evening, packed with talent. Lydney Boxing Club plays an important role for many young people across the Forest of Dean, and Bryan and the team continue to develop real, up-and-coming talent that we’re proud to support. I’ll continue working with Bryan and the club to help ensure thei

Last night, Five Acres hosted their Christmas Carol Service at Coleford Baptist Church, and I was grateful to be invited. The evening brought together voices from across our community, with traditional carols, brilliant performances and a real celebration of the Forest of Dean during this festive season. For me, the highlight of the evening was how clearly it reflected what makes the Forest of Dean so unique—our community spirit! Thank you to the Five Acres Leadership Board f

Last night I hosted my ‘Mince pies with Matt’ evening, and it was fantastic to welcome so many of you to come and have a chat with me. I met a wide range of people, including veterans, police officers, landlords, and residents, who were concerned about various topics such as SME challenges, illegal parking, planning concerns, fundraising and support for veterans, as well as speed limits and assistance for local businesses. Thank you to everyone who took the time to come along

I am excited to announce that the Winner and Runners-up for my Christmas Card Competition this year are… Winner: WILLOUGHBY from Huntley C of E Primary School Runners-up: RHYS from Heart of the Forest Community Special School , & RONNIE from Coalway Junior School Congratulations to our fantastic winner and runners-up! Their designs are fantastic—creative, colourful and full of Christmas spirit. These designs will be seen across the forest, the country and in Parliament! I w

This week I held a constituency surgery in Newent at Three Shires Garden Centre It was brilliant to chat with customers and staff, and to discuss the topics and issues affecting constituents across the Forest of Dean. I’m keen to meet as many of you as possible—and that includes going to the places you are. A big thank you to the staff at Three Shires Garden Centre for being so welcoming and for making it easy to connect with even more constituents. Next week is my ‘Mince Pie

I am pleased to announce that the Forest Voluntary Action Forum - FVAF alongside partners of the DIGI Partnership (Digital Inclusion Gloucestershire Imitative) will receive significant funding from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology’s Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund. FVAF supports hundreds of local voluntary and community organisations, helping them deliver vital work across the district. Their Digi@Home project tackles digital exclusion by offering free