Westminster in Turmoil: Why Change May Be Coming

The start of this year in Parliament has been particularly turbulent.

With the first few weeks of the year being dominated by the ever more extreme actions of President Trump, international drama has now been replaced by domestic crisis with the revelations about Peter Mandelson risking the very survival of the Prime Minister.

Like many, I have been deeply troubled by his connections to Jeffrey Epstein and the Government’s failure to conduct proper scrutiny before his appointment as US Ambassador.

Beyond the clear moral concerns, the suggestion that he may have passed sensitive information during the financial crash raises issues that could have affected every household, business and pension fund. I raised these concerns directly in Parliament.

This case has also exposed long standing weaknesses in the House of Lords. Although he has resigned, the Government still cannot formally remove Mandelson - or any disgraced Peer - from their position.

Hereditary Peers will be leaving in the coming months and, there are questions to ask about whether there should be an upper age limit. Another issue to consider is whether religious leaders should be expanded to represent wider faith groups or if removing the bishops is the best way forward.

Recent attempts to undermine legislation by filibustering - or talking out - are increasing calls for them to be removed altogether.

Parliament will soon debate changes to the voting age, electoral registration and restrictions on foreign donations. While these are important steps, it is disappointing that the Elections Bill still contains no proposals for reform of the Lord’s itself.

Despite these challenges, I believe that most MPs and Peers are working hard for their constituents, and that our system of democracy remains

strong. The real challenge is ensuring that the debates we have in Westminster translate into meaningful improvements for the people we represent.

In recent weeks I have secured a ministerial visit to one of our excellent local schools, arranged a meeting for a group of mums who have been failed by the child maintenance system, and intervened on behalf of a Mid Dorset and North Poole business regarding steel quotas.

I am also hoping that a culture minister will accept my invitation to visit Wimborne during its Town of Culture Year and have just hosted a Dorset Day in Parliament, showcasing local produce to MPs, Peers and visitors.

I always welcome your ideas for campaigns, your concerns and your feedback. I receive hundreds of emails each week, meet residents at events and hold regular face to face surgeries across the constituency. Please do get in touch.