Reporting Back: Oliver Ryan MP Burnley, Padiham and Brierfield

Hello. I hope we’re all holding up well – it’s Christmas soon.

We don’t have long to go before a much-needed rest, and festivities with your close family and friends ensues.

I personally can’t wait, the pigs in blankets aren’t going to eat themselves.

Last week, I had the honour and privilege to speak at Stoneyholme Primary Schools State opening of Parliament.

This is an event I attended last year as well, which is in mirror image to when the King performs our opening of Parliament in Westminster.

There’s a Prime Minister, a Deputy Prime Minister and seven Secretaries of States.

Genuinely, it’s absolutely brilliant to see young people so engaged, confident and taking democracy seriously from such a young age - this is how we build the next generation of leaders.

I also popped down to the Royal Mail sorting office to thank the posties for their hard work in the run-up to Christmas.

Their graft is integral to our communities, and they deserve far more credit than they get.

Yes, I know there are frustrations, but it’s certainly not the staff I blame – they are working flat-out to keep things moving at the busiest time of year.

Over the weekend, I held a coffee morning in Cliviger.

My next one will be in Worsthorne this Saturday between 9.30am and 11.30am – do email me for the location.

If there’s anything you care about at all, please do come along, even if it’s just for a chat.

I’m determined to be the most accessible local MP you’ve ever had, and these informal sessions are a big part of that.

You might also have seen a video of me on Facebook wearing an elf outfit, singing and collecting donations at Burnley Tesco.

I stood there for quite some time, singing and dancing to raise money for the Burnley Foodbank and Pendleside Hospice. Pendleside is a vital pillar of Burnley, Padiham and Brierfield, and we should always do everything we can to keep it open and properly supported.

Finally, on fair funding.

As part of my ongoing campaign, I’ve written directly to Steve Reed, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, and I’ve also met with Alison McGovern, Minister for Local Government and Homelessness.

My message was clear: Lancashire – and Burnley – deserves the funding it needs to meet real levels of need.

I will never shy away from shouting about Burnley, Padiham and Brierfield from the rooftops.

As always, if you need advice or support, get in touch with me at [email protected], call 01282 216398, or visit my office on Grimshaw Street.

Speak soon, or until next time,

Oliver.