After almost 20 years working as a barrister, I came into politics in July 2024 to serve the community I love.
Folkestone and Hythe is where my children grew up, where I served as a trustee of a local charity, and where the most beautiful coastline, sunrises and sunsets unite the community in a love for this wonderful area.
My mother worked as a care assistant her whole life, having come here from the Philippines in the 1970s. My father was an engineer from London. My parents’ values of hard work, respect and compassion drive everything I do.
Folkestone and Hythe was for so many years forgotten by Westminster. Not any longer.
As your first ever Labour MP, I will fight every day to improve your lives and be your voice in Parliament, so we can make this area the best it can be for everyone.
LATEST NEWS
Media
My speech during the Sentencing Bill
1 Year since becoming MP
Westminster Hall - Decriminalising Abortion (Concluding Speech)
Westminster Hall - Decriminalising Abortion
Book a one-to-one surgery appointment
Request to attend a local coffee meeting
Send me a message
Kent voters deserve honest leadership, not fantasy economics that crumble at first contact with actual governance.
#Hythe #romneymarsh #folkestone #KCC ... See MoreSee Less
13 CommentsComment on Facebook
The best of my job is when me and my team are able to help local people. Here a few recent examples...
#folkestone #Hythe #romneymarsh ... See MoreSee Less
5 CommentsComment on Facebook
The Environment Agency's water testing results for Dymchurch beach have been good up to the end of August. So I've written to the Chief Executive of the Environment Agency, Sally Harvey, requesting that the EA use their powers to take Dymchurch beach out of the "poor" classification.
I also want to discuss the EA's plans to improve water quality across our whole District. The water quality classification rules need to be more flexible so that beaches that have good water quality today aren't tarnished by poor readings four years ago.
I hope the Chief Executive will meet with me to discuss these issues further.
Read my letter below ⬇
#KeepOurBeachesClean #Folkestone #Hythe #RomneyMarsh ... See MoreSee Less
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
Reform said DOGE would come in, cut waste and lower bills.
They've now discovered what everyone else already knew all along - there is nothing left to cut. Now council tax is set to rise.
This is Reform all over: unrealistic and unworkable promises, made with complete ignorance of the realities of power. Kent voters deserve honest leadership, not fantasy economics that crumble at first contact with actual governance. They are now implementing the cuts drawn up by the Tories.
By contrast, the Labour Government is investing in Kent: with extra money for SEND, schools, buses, family hubs and much more.
#kentcountycouncil #kent #doge #reform ... See MoreSee Less
29 CommentsComment on Facebook
The team at Folkestone Asda are working hard fundraising during Breast Cancer Awareness month!
Asda Tickled Pink is in partnership with Breast Cancer Now and Coppa Feel!. This campaign raises funds for better breast cancer treatments, vital education, and life-changing support.
Throughout October, this lovely team will be participating in fundraising activities. Show your support on your next shop at Asda and keep an eye out for any pink items! 👀
#asdatickledpink #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth #folkestone ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentsComment on Facebook
🕊Recognition is the first step towards peace🕊
"When I first met Palestinian Ambassador to the UK Husam Zomlot last year, he told me that recognition would be the single most important thing Britain could do for peace. He was right - this week we saw the Palestinian flag raised outside their embassy in London for the first time. Recognition doesn't solve everything overnight; but it gives both sides a proper foundation on which to build peace."
Read the rest of my article below and at tonyvaughan.co.uk/articles
#Palestine #Israel #Folkestone #Hythe ... See MoreSee Less
9 CommentsComment on Facebook
A lovely time was had at The Music Workshop where their surprise guest was Nina Nesbitt!
Thank you to Daniel and Josie for keeping Folkestone’s music nightlife alive.
If you haven’t already, check out The Music Workshop on Cheriton Place. Let’s keep supporting our grassroots music venues.
#TheMusicWorkshop #Folkestone ... See MoreSee Less
4 CommentsComment on Facebook
It was an honour to join the Rotary Club of Folkestone this week for an insightful lunch and discussion about how we can continue to change Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh for the better.
What truly resonated with me from our discussion was the importance of public service and active citizenship. In these uncertain times, service and unity are the sources of our collective strength.
Massive thank you to Melissa Grace Dizon, the President Jerry Cook, and the Rotary Club of Folkestone for your service to our community. ... See MoreSee Less
4 CommentsComment on Facebook
I was delighted to join my fellow Kent Labour MPs, as well as the Minister for Rail, Lord Hendy, for Kent County Council’s event to promote Ashford International’s potential to be once again a station that hosts international rail services.
It’s great to see Kent County Council get behind Kent Labour’s plan for Ashford.
Restoring international rail services to Ashford would boost our local tourism and hospitality sector and create jobs. Let’s get Kent economy’s booming.
#Folkestone #Hythe #AshfordInternational ... See MoreSee Less
11 CommentsComment on Facebook