As we hit the last day of September I don't think I have ever known a more febrile time politically. I always try to keep this column about local activities, not national issues, and pretty apolitical. I am conscious I do not always succeed and today is going to be one of those days.
I have had the pleasure over the last few days of meeting with female MPs in Morocco, as part of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy. All the while knowing that last Friday's "mini budget" had caused massive disruption in the financial markets and the Bank of England had been forced to step in. Not a start any Chancellor or Prime Minister would want.
There were some good and important measures in the budget, help with energy bills for individuals and businesses being foremost among them. The reduction of the lower rate of tax was good for those on low incomes, and many welcomed the reversal of the previous Chancellor's position on National Insurance. Or do I mean the previous Chancellor but one? However, in 12 and a half years as an MP I do not think a single constituent has ever contacted me asking for the 45p tax rate to be reduced or for bankers bonuses to be uncapped. It was not called for, it was politically tone deaf, and it was done the day before recess, so Parliament has not even been able to debate it. Not the start anyone wanted, and financially devastating for pension funds, for interest rates and therefore for all of us with mortgages.
I am very conscious that as a backbench MP it is my duty to scrutinise the Government and hold them to account, and I will be doing that over these decisions at every opportunity when we are back sitting.
