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I'm happy that the council has taken action on the unsightly and excessive display of letting boards in Bournbrook. I wrote to all local letting agents in February 2025 to remind them of the regulations and asked them to be removed. Along with former councillors Karen McCarthy and Jamie Scott, I pressed for voluntary removal of boards and supported BCC in taking formal action if this was not done. Residents deserve to be able to take pride in their neighbourhood, and this

Every year, thousands of young people find themselves outside education, employment, or training (NEET). This situation creates long-term challenges for individuals and communities alike. Recently, I brought together schools, employers, and local organisations for a roundtable discussion to tackle this growing issue. We shared honest insights about the barriers young people face and explored practical ideas from those working closely with them every day. While the Government

Attending the recent parliamentary reception hosted by Mondelēz International gave me a unique opportunity to reflect on the rich industrial heritage of Bournville. This historic site within the Birmingham Selly Oak constituency remains a vital part of the local economy. It directly employs around 1,300 people and supports a wider workforce of approximately 4,000 across the West Midlands. The event highlighted how Bournville continues to blend its proud past with a forward-lo

I recently had the opportunity to visit Bournville Village Primary School after pupils were unable to make their planned trip to Parliament due to motorway disruption. While it was disappointing that the original visit could not take place, spending time at the school proved to be a rewarding experience. Meeting both students and staff gave me a chance to engage directly with young people eager to learn about politics and public service. Talking About the Role of an MP During

Young people in Bournville have shared clear messages about what they need to thrive. Recently, local organisations, community leaders, and young people came together to discuss how the Government's National Youth Strategy can better reflect these needs. The conversation revealed important insights about youth spaces, life skills training, and accessible activities for teenagers. The Importance of Youth Spaces One of the strongest themes from the discussion was the need for m

Last week, I had the privilege of visiting The Oaks Primary School in Druids Heath for its first-ever Careers Day. It was an inspiring experience to speak with pupils about the many opportunities open to them and to encourage them to dream big. This event was more than just a chance to talk about jobs; it was about planting seeds of ambition and showing young people that their background does not have to limit their future. The Importance of Raising Aspirations Early Events l

Visiting Otterburn Care Home in Brandwood during Care Home Open Week gave me a unique chance to witness the heart of community care. Meeting residents, staff, and families revealed the dedication and kindness that shape daily life in this care home. T The Role of Care Homes in Our Community Care homes like Otterburn provide more than just accommodation. They offer a supportive environment where residents receive personalised care tailored to their needs. This support helps ma

When I recently visited Cotteridge Primary School recently, I witnessed something truly inspiring. The school has partnered with Chess in Schools and Communities, a charity dedicated to helping children develop important life skills through the game of chess. Watching the pupils engage with the sessions, I saw firsthand how chess goes beyond being just a game it becomes a tool for building confidence, concentration, problem solving abilities, and resilience. During my visit,

Visiting CASBA at their base in Touchbase Pears, Selly Oak, was a truly eye-opening experience. I had the privilege of meeting members of their LINK self-advocacy group, a vibrant community of young adults with learning disabilities. Their mission is clear: to ensure their voices are heard and respected within Birmingham’s wider community. What struck me most was their determination to challenge barriers and create real opportunities for people with learning disabilities. The

Serving my country has been the greatest honour of my life. Earlier this month, I made the difficult decision to resign as Minister for The Armed Forces in the Ministry of Defence. This choice was not made lightly, but it reflects my deep commitment to honesty and principle in public service. Why I Resigned For years, I have dedicated myself to both military service and government work, always with the goal of protecting and strengthening the United Kingdom. Yet, I reached a

Homelessness is a growing challenge across the UK, and Birmingham is no exception. Recently, I had the opportunity to visit SIFA Fireside, a key organisation providing support and prevention services for people facing homelessness in Selly Oak and the wider Birmingham area. This visit offered a clear view of the pressures on homelessness services and the urgent need for sustainable solutions. During the visit, I spoke with staff and volunteers who described how rising homeles

Access to local news is essential for staying connected with the community, but for people with visual impairments, this can be a daily challenge. Recently, I had the opportunity to visit Birmingham Talking Newspapers for the Blind and Visually Impaired at their South Birmingham centre, located within the Bournville Village Trust headquarters. This visit offered a close look at how a dedicated group of volunteers works tirelessly to make local news and information accessible

I believe every child deserves the right support to thrive at school. It was a pleasure to visit Bournville School and see their new SEND provision, designed to give more young people the tailored support, structure and confidence they need to succeed. Meeting staff and students, it was clear how life-changing the right environment can be for children with additional needs, was great to hear of the positive changes that can be made.

I joined students and staff from Christ Church C of E Secondary Academy and local residents to see the unveiling of the new mural on a bridge in Trittiford Mill Park in memory of Leo Ross. Created by artists Louise Garman and Andy Smith, with help from the students, the piece is a powerful tribute - not only remembering Leo, but reflecting the strength and unity of the local community. It was moving to see so many people involved, from young people to local volunteers from th

An Independent Neighbourhood Chair is now being recruited to lead Druids Heath new community-led board as part of the Pride in Place Programme. The Chair will work closely with residents, the local MP, and community organisations to ensure that local voices are heard and reflected in future investment and priorities. If you weren't aware the pride in place programme is a £5 billion initiative empowering local communities across the country to revitalise high streets and impro

I am seriously concerned by reports last week of intimidation and violence in Stirchley last week and have written to the West Midlands Police to highlight these issues. The Union Jack is our symbol of unity, not division, of patriotism, not polarisation. I condemn all attempts to hijack our flag and sow violence in our communities for political gain.

I had the opportunity to speak with with local small businesses at the jobs fete connecting people to new opportunities. Groups like The Blues Foundation as well as the many activities for children to enjoy, it was a brilliant example of the community coming together. Events like this matter. They support local enterprise, help people access work, and create spaces where families can connect and children can play safely. Druids Heath has real community spirit, and it was grea

Access to NHS dentistry has become a growing challenge for many people across the UK. Long waiting times and limited availability of NHS dental appointments leave patients struggling to get the care they need. At Birmingham Dental Hospital and School, conversations with staff and students highlighted the urgent need to address these pressures by focusing on dental education and workforce growth. This post explores how training more dentists and expanding student places can he

Visiting Cotteridge Park recently brought a clear reminder of how vital community green spaces are for families. During a visit to meet the Tuesday gardening group and attend the Easter Holiday Family Forest School in Millennium Wood, it was inspiring to see children and parents enjoying free outdoor activities together. These moments highlight the important role Cotteridge Park plays in supporting families, encouraging learning, and fostering connections with nature. How Cot

The hospitality industry offers a wide range of career opportunities, but entering or returning to this sector can be challenging without the right skills and confidence. At the Xcelerate Regional Skills & Community Training Hub located at Edgbaston Stadium, people receive hands-on training and support to build careers in hospitality. This initiative, run by Compass Group UK & Ireland in partnership with the charity Springboard, focuses on equipping individuals with practical