‘Summer series’-help shape my work as Ipswich’s MP

When I was elected as Ipswich’s MP last July, I promised to show positive leadership in the long-term interests of our town, to bring people together, and to fulfil the ambitions and aspirations that we all share.

While an MP must use their judgement to make decisions on behalf of the town, it is crucial that they listen to the thoughts and feelings of local residents.

That is why I have launched my Summer Series, a wide-ranging and unprecedented programme of engagement that will give residents across Ipswich the chance to have their say on the issues that matter most to them.

So get involved this summer, make sure your voice is heard, and help shape my work here in Ipswich, and in Westminster.

Here’s what’s included in my Summer Series:

✅ Six town halls on key local issues
✅ Thirteen community meetings across Ipswich
✅ A two-week Summer School for 18–24-year-olds
✅ A Residents' Survey open to everyone living in our town

Since my election, I have begun to make good on the promises I made to you. From signing a Jobs Guarantee with Sizewell C to beginning to turn the tide in our town centre, green shoots are beginning to appear, but I know there is so much more work to be done.

As we approach one year since the 2024 General Election, I have launched my ‘Summer Series’ – a three-month-long public engagement campaign across Ipswich.

Town Halls and Community Meetings

Over the summer, I will be hosting six ‘town halls’ events, with focus on key local and national issues. Each event will be held in a different part of our town, with local organisations, businesses, charities and guest speakers joining the conversation.

These include:

- Work and Housing (6 June, South East Ipswich)

- Healthcare (21 June, North East Ipswich)

- Transport, including the Orwell Bridge and the Northern Bypass (12 July, South West Ipswich)

- Our town centre (24 July, Central Ipswich)

- Safer Streets (7 August, South East Ipswich)

- Devolution (19 August, Central Ipswich)

These will be RSVP-only sessions — if you would like to attend and have your say, please fill out my short Residents' Survey. I read every single response, and your views will shape my priorities for the year ahead.

As well as the town halls, the Summer Series will include more than a dozen community meetings covering topics including childcare, SEND, and mental health.

Residents' Survey

My Residents' Survey is now 'live' for all residents in the town, allowing them to share their views, feedback and suggestions about how to build a greater Ipswich. This survey will run until the end of the summer series, on Tuesday 19th August.

Summer School

My two-week summer school for young people aged 18-24 in Ipswich is now open to applications, and is an invaluable way to learn more about politics and public service. To find out more about my Summer School - please click here.

All of this work will sit on alongside my ongoing engagement efforts — from door knocking every weekend and holding regular constituency surgeries, to visiting local businesses and responding to the thousands of messages I receive from residents. Since the election, my team and I have already responded to over 10,000 emails on a wide range of issues.

In whatever way you can, please do get involved this summer, as we look to build a greater Ipswich, together.