After almost 20 years working as a barrister, I came into politics in July 2024 to serve the community I love.Â
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.Â
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.Â
Folkestone and Hythe was for so many years forgotten by Westminster. Not any longer.Â
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
Being interviewed at the Marsh Academy!
Times Radio 22.03.26
Today Programme ILR 20 03 26
Westminster Hall - Indefinite Leave to Remain
My question to the Prime Minister about the Foreman's imprisonment in Iran
Westminster Hall Debate on Social Media Use Under 16 250224
Book a one-to-one surgery appointment
Request to attend a local coffee meeting
Send me a message
Real change for working people. 🌹
From strengthening workers' rights and tackling child poverty, to supporting our pensioners—this Labour Government is delivering on our promises to you.
#LabourDelivers #RealChange #Folkestone #Hythe #romneymarsh ... See MoreSee Less
10 CommentsComment on Facebook
Congratulations to Folkestone Invicta on winning the league - what an amazing season. The team should be incredibly proud of themselves - this is one for the history books.
Have to get myself down to a game soon⚽️🥅🎉
#Folkestone #football #winners ... See MoreSee Less
Report: Invicta crowned Isthmian Premier Division champions!
folkestoneinvictafc.co.uk
Invicta come from behind at Clarence Park to seal the Isthmian League title on Easter Saturday1 CommentsComment on Facebook
I am shocked and outraged to hear about the vandalism at Folkestone Sports Centre. The Sports Trust has put in a lot of effort to get the Sports Centre back up and running to provide the community with a pool and the facilities that were once so loved.
Nevertheless, this is a setback in a bigger journey! Well done to the Sports Trust team for their perseverance.
If you have any information about this break in, please do contact Kent Police.An important update on our journey to reopen Folkestone Sports Centre.
Like any project of this scale, there have been challenges along the way. A recent incident has meant we’ve had to take a slightly different approach in places, but we’re still on track and moving forward.
We’re incredibly grateful for the continued support from our community as we work to bring this space back to life.
Full update here 👇
www.thesportstrust.org/news/a-message-from-the-sports-trust-on-folkestone-sports-centre/ ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentsComment on Facebook
On the Iran War
"The Government is already acting to ease the impact of this war on the cost of living. The Government has announced a ÂŁ53 million package for homes struggling with the sharp increase in the price of heating oil. This support will be targeted to help low-income households in rural communities. From 1 April, households in England, Scotland and Wales will see an average of ÂŁ150 per year removed from their energy bills - a direct result of the Government cutting a specific environmental levy previously added to energy bills.
This Government has shown a sense of strategy in a time of global chaos, as well as strong leadership and a sense of moral courage and conviction in the midst of crisis. We are acting in the best interests of the British people and we won’t be repeating the mistakes made in Iraq and Afghanistan."
Read more below and at tonyvaughan.co.uk/articles
#Folkestone #Hythe #RomneyMarsh #Iran #EnergySecurity ... See MoreSee Less
9 CommentsComment on Facebook
🌍 Introducing the Future Homes Standard 🌍
Under these rules, new builds will feature solar panels and heat pumps as standard, ending the era of gas boilers.
This crucial upgrade will save households up to ÂŁ830 a year on their energy bills.
And this will boost UK industry, creating high-skilled jobs and apprenticeships.
For Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh, this means we will finally be building the smart, sustainable homes our community needs.
I strongly endorse this joined-up approach. We must make our homes more affordable places to live. ... See MoreSee Less
21 CommentsComment on Facebook
🏺Learn, make and connect through clay at Clayfolk, open Monday - Thursday!🏺
Clayfolk is a ceramics studio and a new addition to Tontine Street. It’s so good to have a place for people to relax, focus and create. Since KCC made some serious cuts to adult education services, this studio has filled a great need in our town. I spoke with service users who were pleased to have somewhere to socialise and make pottery. Well done to Jez and Ellie for keeping the art alive.
Big thanks to Jez for teaching me to make this pot - my first attempt at pottery!
Check out their website here clayfolk.uk
#Folkestone #Hythe #RomneyMarsh #pottery #ceramics ... See MoreSee Less
5 CommentsComment on Facebook
🏊‍♂️Folkestone Sports Centre Swimming Pool Returns! 🏊‍♂️
I get a lot of emails about the Folkestone Sports Centre - I’m pleased to see that Folkestone & Hythe District Council are committing a £2.4 million one-off grant to get the swimming pool back up and running in time for summer!
More information can be found here: www.folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/news/article/418/supporting-folkestone-sports-centre-reopening
#folkestone #hythe #romneymarsh #swimming ... See MoreSee Less
Supporting Folkestone Sports Centre reopening – Folkestone & Hythe District Council
www.folkestone-hythe.gov.uk
A ÂŁ2.4m grant which will enable the reopening of swimming facilities at Folkestone Sports Centre has been supported.11 CommentsComment on Facebook
Wes Streeting steps in to support East Kent Hospitals Trust 🏥
Very pleased that the Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, has named East Kent Hospitals Trust as one of the first five NHS trusts to be placed in the Government’s new intensive recovery programme.
We all know that long waiting times and overcrowding have plagued hospitals like the William Harvey Hospital for too long. This programme recognises that targeted and specialised support – and extra resources – are needed to turn our hospitals around.
This is a vital step toward fixing the foundations of our NHS and ensuring that everyone in Folkestone, Hythe, and Romney Marsh gets the high-quality and timely care they deserve.
I will be working closely with Wes and the Trust leadership to ensure this support translates into real, on the ground improvements for patients.
#Folkestone #Hythe #RomneyMarsh #NHS #EastKentHospitals #Labour ... See MoreSee Less
18 CommentsComment on Facebook
New Funding for SEND Places in Kent 🏫🙌
I am delighted to welcome the Labour government's announcement of a record ÂŁ860 million national investment to deliver more specialist places for children with SEND.
As part of this first round of funding, Kent will receive ÂŁ28 million.
This is a vital step in our mission to ensure every child can achieve and thrive at their local school.
This funding will be used to:
Create new places in Inclusion Bases within mainstream schools.
Improve physical accessibility and sensory environments.
Deliver the right support earlier and closer to home, without parents having to fight for the education their children deserve.
We are building a school system that works for every family in
Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh.
#Folkestone #Hythe #RomneyMarsh #SEND ... See MoreSee Less
3 CommentsComment on Facebook