WHEN I joined the army I learned a simple lesson that’s always stayed with me.
No matter what rank or title you hold, your first responsibility is to the people you serve.
That’s something I’ve been reflecting on since becoming the UK’s Defence Secretary last month.
It’s an enormous privilege that comes with huge responsibilities - not least supporting our brave armed forces personnel and working to keep our country safe.
Yet, however great those responsibilities, one thing hasn’t changed.
The people who sent me to Westminster are the people of Barnsley North - and they remain my priority.
That’s why becoming Defence Secretary won’t change the way I work as your local MP.
Serving Barnsley North is a privilege - which is why I graft long hours, seven days a week for our borough.
Last month alone I held six in-person advice appointments and my small team and I handled 602 email enquiries from constituents.
Behind every one of those emails is a person looking for help, support or answers. Whether it’s housing, pensions, local services, or a problem with a government department, my job is to help whenever I can.
I was proud to support Barnsley’s Armed Forces Celebration Day and pay tribute to our town’s brave veterans, as well as active servicemen and women, and their families.
I also supported the Barnsley 10K, which showcased the best of our borough and gave me a valuable opportunity to speak with local charities about the fantastic work they do.
Alongside this casework and community work, I’m continuing to push forward on the issues residents regularly raise with me.
Many people have contacted me about safety concerns at Barugh Green crossroads. I’ve been writing to a range of organisations and individuals, from the coroner to council officers, offering to help in any way I can to progress the much-needed road safety improvements local people have been calling for.
Road safety is also a major concern for residents in Staincross, and I’ve written to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents to seek their views and support efforts to improve safety in the area.
I’ve also been contacted by residents concerned about the proposed solar farm development at Grimethorpe. Having listened carefully to those concerns, I’ve written to the head of planning at Barnsley Council to register my objections and ensure local voices are heard as part of the process.
I’m continuing to push for progress for former mineworkers too. I’ve been writing to ministers about mineworkers’ pension schemes and pressing for further movement on the surplus sharing arrangement, which matters to many families in our town.
So yes, becoming Defence Secretary is a great honour.
It means taking on new responsibilities and serving our country in a different way.
Yet while my job has changed, my commitment to Barnsley North hasn’t.
Whether I’m at the Ministry of Defence, representing Britain overseas, or at home in our borough, I’ll continue doing what I’ve always done: working hard, fighting our corner, and putting Barnsley North first.
