At a minute past midnight last Monday, Parliament dissolved, meaning that I am no longer Member of Parliament for Crawley – all MPs that are standing for re-election officially revert to being candidates.
However, it is important to look forward to the future. I recently had the opportunity to do this literally, when I visited Forge Wood, Crawley newest neighbourhood now being built.
Our town’s motto is 'I grow and I rejoice' and this new community will provide 1,900 new homes. The area will also include a GP surgery, local shops, and a school.
While I am pleased that local people have benefited from the Help to Buy scheme, I am reassured that the Chancellor of the Exchequer recently pledged to extend it – for every £200 people save towards their first home, a Conservative government will put in an extra £50, up to a maximum bonus of £3000.
I was recently honoured to be given a personal election endorsement by the animal rights campaigner (and Queen legend!) Dr Brian May. It has been a pleasure to work with Brian on various animal welfare campaigns over the last five years, and am delighted to have the support of the Common Decency organisation that he is a key part of.
If given the honour of being re-elected as Member of Parliament for Crawley, I will continue to put our town first.
It has been a privilege to provide assistance to 5,000 constituents since 2010 and have spoken in the House of Commons over 300 times – I am aware of the seriousness of the responsibility.
This Government is helping create the conditions for business to flourish. Roughly 1,000 Crawley companies have been assisted by the £2,000 Employment Allowance. The Start-Up Loans scheme is also helping local firms begin.
Last week I presented the Crawley English Votes for English Laws petition to Parliament – my thanks to all who signed. I will keep campaigning on this matter, as well as the EU referendum that our country deserves.
While I am working hard to be re-elected, my absolute priority is providing assistance for people across our town. If I am able to help, please either call my office on 01293 934554, or email me directly on henry4crawley@aol.com