As we enter 2024, which will be my last year as MP, I cannot help but look back at the long journey since I was first selected as candidate at a Conservative party selection meeting at Hemel Hempstead School in 2001. I will step back from front-line politics at the General Election.
I have been involved in Hemel Hempstead politics for over 20 years and I am immensely grateful to local people for entrusting me with the privilege of representing them in Parliament. It has, without doubt, been the greatest honour of my life.
Whilst I have been fortunate enough to have held Ministerial posts in seven government departments during my time in Westminster, it has been the role of local MP that I have relished the most.
Being an MP during the last 19 years has certainly been a roller coaster of a ride. The coalition, the EU referendum, Brexit, the Covid pandemic, Putin’s appalling invasion of Ukraine and, most recently, the terrible events in the middle east.
Whilst all these international events clearly impact my work, the majority of my time is (rightly) taken up with Parliamentary and constituency work. I am particularly proud of the positive impact I have made through constituency casework. Over the years, I have had the privilege of meeting thousands of local people and helping to resolve their concerns, from issues with housing and benefits to difficulties with government departments. Casework can be deeply rewarding, and I have always been impressed by the strength of spirit and the sense of community that we have here in the Hemel Hempstead constituency.
As I enter my final year as Hemel Hempstead’s MP, I am confident that the future of Hemel Hempstead is bright. This community has a rich history of innovation, enterprise, and community spirit. We are truly blessed with being in a great location surrounded by greenery and close to the National Trust’s Ashridge estate. I am not surprised that Hemel Hempstead was recently voted the 7th happiest place in the country, and I have no doubt that Hemel Hempstead will continue to thrive and grow.
Until the General Election – whenever that may be – I will continue to work hard to represent you and my office is open for anyone who needs help.
Contact Mike:
Web: www.penning4hemel.com
Email: mike.penning.mp@parliament.uk
Telephone: 01442 251126
