I am the Conservative candidate for new Halesowen constituency at the General Election on 4th July 2024, which covers Halesowen, Cradley, Wollescote, Quarry Bank, Dudley Wood, Cradley Heath, Old Hill and a small part of Blackheath.

Full statement

From May 2010 to May 2024 I served as the MP for the previous Halesowen & Rowley Regis constituency, and during that time I worked to support local people, businesses, charities, friends' groups, churches and other voluntary organisations to ensure that our area is a better place to live, work, do business and raise a family. That is what I’ll continue to do if I’m elected again as a Member of Parliament.

Before becoming an MP I ran a small business specialising in computer software, and also founded an independent campaign called ‘Mind the Gap’ to encourage civic action and more local grass roots involvement in politics. I also worked as Chief Executive of Localis, a local government think tank, where we worked to produce ideas to give local people more of a say over how decisions made by local and national governments affect them. I regularly use the experiences I gained before 2010 to help me understand the challenges of local people and businesses and think about how I can best support them.

During my time as an MP I regularly hosted Jobs & Skills Fairs in Halesowen & Rowley Regis, bringing together local employers and training providers to boost employment prospects for local people. I also championed better support for mental health and have hosted roundtable meetings with providers to see how the support provided can be extended and improved. I joined in with many community projects including litter picks and clean up events, and I ran surgeries in the constituency, to talk to local people about the challenges they are facing and seeing where I can help.

I have also previously sat on the Communities & Local Government Select Committee, chaired the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Mental Health, and represented the Lords & Commons Cricket Team against other Parliaments. I held several roles as a Parliamentary aide to ministers and spent 18 months as a Vice-Chairman of the Conservative Party. As part of my interest in mental health, I have argued for increased funding and a greater ‘parity’ between mental and physical health care, as well as arguing for reform of the Mental Health Act.

In 2019 I was invited to serve as a Government Whip, helping to ensure our legislative programme is delivered. Between 2021 and 2022 I was additionally the ‘Vice-Chamberlain of HM Household’, a senior position within the Whips Office which involved keeping Her Late Majesty The Queen updated on House of Commons proceedings. As part of the ceremonial duties with the role, I was ‘held hostage’ at Buckingham Palace during the 2022 State Opening of Parliament, a custom that dates back to the Civil War to ensure the safe return of the sovereign. I also had the privilege of attending a Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral for the Queen during her Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June 2022.

Between July and September 2022 I served as a Minister at the Department of Health & Social Care, with the title of ‘Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Primary Care and Patient Safety’. The role was a regular reminder of the great NHS that we are fortunate to have, and during my time as an MP I met many dedicated doctors, nurses and healthcare staff who have an inspiring commitment to public service.

From October 2022 to May 2024 I served on the Health & Social Care Select Committee, where our role was to provide an objective scrutiny of the work of the Department of Health & Social Care and keep Ministers and officials accountable. I also chaired two APPG’s - one for Shakespeare and one for Cyber Security, two areas where I have keen interests. However, my most important role in Parliament was to bang the drum for Halesowen & Rowley Regis, and help secure jobs, investment and better standards for schools and hospitals.

Away from politics, I am married to Anna and we have two children, Sol and Evie. I have a keen interest in cricket and enjoy the theatre, reading and running. I ran the London Marathon in 2018 and 2019 to raise money for Halas Homes and Ups and Downs respectively, two local charities.