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 Adjournment Debate Speech about Lindsay and Craig Foreman
Lindsay and Craig Foreman - My Q to the FCDO
LET'S GET FREIGHT OFF THE ROADS AND ON TO RAIL IN KENT!
Ministry of Justice Questions 19.05.26
Times Radio Interview - 11/11/2026
Book a one-to-one surgery appointment
Request to attend a local coffee meeting
Send me a message
Very proud of the announcement today from Yvette Cooper on community mental health support.
100 new community mental health centres will be opening, offering walk-in support.
59 new mental health emergency departments providing specialist care.
The first community mental health centres will be open as soon as this autumn - some will be newly built, others will be in existing community and high street locations.
This is about bringing mental health care closer to communities and ensuring people get early diagnosis, treatment and support.
And it’s about building a caring society, where mental and physical health have parity of esteem.
Far too many people who need mental health care today find that the A&E department is the only place they can be seen - that must end.
#Folkestone #Hythe #RomneyMarsh #mentalhealthmatters ... See MoreSee Less
10 CommentsComment on Facebook
If you’re looking for a brilliant day out this summer, come to #Folkestone!
Seaside sauna, great fish and chips and seafood, amazing independent businesses, a vibrant arts scene - I agree with Rob Beckett!
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Rob Beckett raves about great family day out in Kent seaside town
www.kentonline.co.uk
Comedian Rob Beckett has hailed a Kent seaside town as home to the "best fish and chips" he's ever eaten after a recent visit.2 CommentsComment on Facebook
It is so important to consider the impact of cumulative solar farm projects. Nationally I've always been a voice for fair share solar which honours the biodiverse and scenic nature of the Romney Marsh.
Read my letter to four of the companies who are funding solar farm projects 👇
#Folkestone #Hythe #RomneyMarsh #solarfarms ... See MoreSee Less
8 CommentsComment on Facebook
It has been a fantastic year of work experience placements from different secondary schools in the constituency. My office undertook a total of 20 1-week work experience placements, 14 of which were from #Folkestone, #Hythe and #RomneyMarsh.
I was glad to provide an exciting experience where young people could explore Parliament, understand my daily tasks and what goes into keeping everything running. Some of them even got to see the PMQs!
It's so important to encourage our young people to get the most out of these experiences - what I can tell you about all the young people I've had in my office is that they bring a real energy and fresh ideas. That is why I encourage all employers to offer #workexperience and see what our young people are made of!
Here are pictures of just a few of the students I've had in the past year. Wishing all these young people the best of luck with their bright futures. ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentsComment on Facebook
University of Kent and University of Greenwich will merge to form London and South East University Group, launching on 7 September.
If any students or staff who are constituents have any questions or thoughts, please email me at: [email protected]
I will be monitoring the situation closely.
www.theguardian.com/education/2026/aug/03/uk-first-super-university-merger-greenwich-kent-septemb...
#Folkestone #hythe #romneymarsh ... See MoreSee Less
UK’s first ‘super-university’, merging Greenwich and Kent, to launch in September
www.theguardian.com
The new London and South East University Group will be UK’s third largest higher education institution2 CommentsComment on Facebook
Fill out my survey 👉 www.tonyvaughan.co.uk/private-rented-housing/
#Folkestone #hythe #romneymarsh #housingdisrepair ... See MoreSee Less
8 CommentsComment on Facebook
Lucy Powell is absolutely right as Education Secretary to focus more on improving technical education and to ensure that schools are not exam factories, but preparing young people for the world of work and business.
There are several different types of intelligence that people possess and our economies need to respond to AI development and climate change.
Rote learning and passing exams should not define young people’s educational output.
We also must reinvigorate the teaching of sport and arts in schools - there is so much untapped potential out there!
www.thetimes.com/uk/education/article/lucy-powell-education-reforms-michael-gove-9frpkdsv2
#Folkestone #Hythe #RomneyMarsh #Education #Employment ... See MoreSee Less
Lucy Powell: Schooling ‘straitjacket’ has left million youngsters behind
www.thetimes.com
The education secretary says ‘one-size-fits-all’ academic approach, focusing on English, science and history, has led to children being branded a ‘failure’11 CommentsComment on Facebook
Had a positive meeting today at the Foreign Office with Craig and Lindsay’s son, Joe Bennett, and the UK’s Envoy for Complex Consular Detentions - Alistair Burt.
We explored all of the possible solutions and I know that Alistair will do everything he can to help bring the Foremans home, as will I!
The pain that the family feel is immeasurable; we must act with purpose and urgency to bring Craig and Lindsay home. ... See MoreSee Less
3 CommentsComment on Facebook
A perfect day in #Folkestone ☀️ ... See MoreSee Less
40 CommentsComment on Facebook