Hertsmere is my home patch. I was born and grew up here and still live in the area with my wife and two young children. I went to Parmiter’s School near Watford and then went on to study law at Cambridge University. From 2010 until 2015 I served in Downing Street, advising the then Prime Minister on how to tackle the wide variety of challenges confronting him. I was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in recognition of this service.
I was honoured to be elected as the Member of Parliament for Hertsmere in May 2015. As your MP I use my skills and experience to give Hertsmere a strong voice nationally and to help get us the best deal. I am passionate about preserving the things that make Hertsmere such a special place to live:
Improving Transport: Many of us rely on our transport links. I have campaigned to secure additional investment in our railways and our stations – with an upgrade to Borehamwood station, the promise of Oyster extended to Radlett and Potters Bar, and an additional £300 million to improve the Thameslink line. I know there is lots more to be done if local residents are to get the transport services they deserve.
Better Education: I got an excellent education at our local state schools and am determined to ensure that all children get the best start in life. I know that there is considerable pressure on school places locally. I helped secure a new primary school at Yavneh and am working with the County and Borough councils to develop a new secondary school in the medium term.
Defending Our Countryside: Our surrounding countryside makes our towns and villages beautiful places to live, gives us space to roam and prevents urban sprawl. Nationally, I speak up to maintain our green belt protection in law. Locally, I give a voice to residents concerned about inappropriate developments, such as the Radlett Rail Freight Terminal and around Potters Bar and Bushey.
Better Infrastructure: As our towns and villages continue to grow, particularly with the Elstree Way Corridor, we must get the infrastructure to go with it. In addition to education and transport, I continue to campaign for improved local medical facilities, such as a new health hub in Borehamwood and pushing the local economic development agency to invest in Potters Bar High Street.
I also regularly campaign on issues that matter to local people, including against anti-semitism and on fairer business rates and small business taxation. Recent work includes efforts to secure the release of Kamal Foroughi from prison in Iran, for the regulation of dangerous laser pens, to help preserve Aldenham Reservoir, the reconstruction of damaged roads in Bushey and protecting precious trees in Potters Bar.
