One of the most important jobs as a Member of Parliament is getting out and about in the constituency, knocking on doors and speaking to constituents on their doorstep. You never know who you are going to meet, or where it might lead.

As everyone will by now be aware, there is a Conservative leadership contest underway. Following several weeks of cross-party talks, Theresa May came to the conclusion that she did not have the confidence of her party or of Parliament and that she should resign.

This month sees the 75th anniversary of the D-Day Landings in which Allied troops landed in France to begin the liberation of the Europe from Nazi occupation.

With the political situation in Westminster nothing if not eventful (more on this in the weeks to come) it is good to see community life here in Brentwood and Ongar thriving vivaciously. 

Brentwood and Ongar constituency has a high number of commuters travelling daily to and from work and school from our four stations – Ingatestone, Brentwood, Shenfield and West Horndon – not to forget those of us who travel from the West of the constituency using Epping or Theydon Bois.

As the days lengthen and the evenings are lighter, I can predict, even in just two years of being a Member of Parliament, I will start getting calls and emails about people causing havoc in parts of the constituency by riding motorbikes, mopeds and quad bikes in the wrong places.

A constant subject of concern in my MP’s postbag is Climate Change. People are becoming more and more aware of the environment, its fragility and our need to preserve it - and whilst we have made great strides, there is still far more we can do.

Last Wednesday (10 April), the Prime Minister agreed with the EU Council to extend Brexit negotiations until the end of October – with a break clause should Parliament approve a deal before then.

In a week when the votes in Parliament over the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union have come up with no clear winners and extra time has now been called, it was a welcome relief to hear of the undeniable success of one of our local football teams.

I was very pleased to be asked by Brentwood Borough Council to write a letter of support for its application to the Future High Streets Fund, a £675 million pot of money to help local areas modernise their high streets and town centres.