My first year as your MP
Lee with the amazing volunteers at ‘The Bread and Butter Thing’ in Thorne
There’s only so much space on a leaflet or social media post, so here’s the full list of what we’ve achieved together so far in Parliament and at home here in Doncaster East and the Isle of Axholme in my first year.
There will always be more to do but I am so proud to have helped bring about some real positive changes for our community over the past year. After all, this is my home too, and I want to do the very best I can for our residents.
I promise I will continue to work hard for you, and for our community, into the next year and beyond.
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Transport & Connectivity
Submitted the Doncaster East Superloop proposal to reconnect villages and employment hubs through the South Yorkshire bus franchising consultation. Meeting with the Mayor secured for August.
Supported the decision to bring South Yorkshire buses back under public control.
Secured a timetable change for Doncaster–Scunthorpe services to improve reliability at Thorne, Crowle and Althorpe.
Launched a petition to double train frequency at Thorne South, Crowle and Althorpe through smarter scheduling.
Saw the first plane land at Doncaster Sheffield Airport in two years as 2Excel returned.
Welcomed Munich Airport International as DSA’s future operator and helped secure £10 million in early-stage investment from SYMCA.
Welcomed Prime Minister Keir Starmer to announce £30 million in Government support for DSA’s reopening.
Cleared a key hurdle as the Transport Secretary backed the CAA to begin restoring DSA airspace.
Hosted Chancellor Rachel Reeves at Yorkshire Wildlife Park to discuss regional jobs, investment and the airport’s future.
Local Infrastructure & Investment
Secured £6.7 million for South Yorkshire and £8.9 million for North Lincolnshire to repair potholes.
Helped deliver £364 million for Doncaster and £182 million for North Lincolnshire through the Local Government Finance Settlement.
Developed a national pilot to convert disused council buildings into energy-efficient social housing, in partnership with EQUANS and MHCLG.
Worked with former Thorne & Moorends councillors to secure £4 million for local improvements.
Secured an additional £20 million for Doncaster, with Neighbourhood Boards giving residents more say in local decisions.
Won a share of the £470 million Building Improvement Fund for five local schools, including Green Top Primary and four across the Isle.
Energy & Resilience
Worked with Northern Powergrid to tackle repeated power outages in Haxey, launching a £1 million upgrade in March.
Organised two public meetings with Northern Powergrid and local councillors to demand action for Isle residents.
Launched a battery pack initiative in Crowle, distributing emergency kits to vulnerable pensioners and residents.
Community & Public Services
Became a Patron of Doncaster Housing for Young People, drawing on my own experience of homelessness to support local change.
Ran 105 miles to raise money and awareness for local mental health organisations including The Jackson Hope Foundation, Shed on the Isle and Harmony Counselling.
Visited 20 of the 43 schools across the constituency to hear directly from pupils and staff.
Completed 274 constituency visits and meetings with schools, parish councils, charities and local businesses.
Resolved over 4000 pieces of casework — helping local residents with issues including housing, benefits, healthcare and transport.
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Speaking Up for Doncaster East & the Isle
Spoke 105 times in the chamber, raising local concerns on everything from NHS waiting times to apprenticeships and mental health.
Mentioned Doncaster Sheffield Airport 16 times in Parliament, keeping the pressure on Government to back our plans.
Secured a Parliamentary debate on DSA, pressing for airspace restoration and Government support.
Used my first Prime Minister’s Question to gain reassurance on GP access — ensuring both online and phone booking will remain available.
Spoke up for key local priorities, including WASPI women, local sports clubs, dentistry, schools, buses, and veterans.
Voting for Change
Backed 228 pieces of legislation aimed at protecting jobs, improving services, and easing the cost of living
Voted to pass the Renters’ Rights Bill, ending no-fault evictions and extending Awaab’s Law.
Backed the Employment Rights Bill, banning fire and rehire, improving sick pay, and strengthening rights for zero-hour workers.
Helped pass emergency powers to protect Scunthorpe’s blast furnaces, safeguarding jobs and national steelmaking capacity.
Supported pay rises for 8,000 local workers through minimum wage increases.
Backed pension increases for 18,000 local pensioners, delivering up to £470 more per year.
Voted for record NHS investment, helping bring waiting lists to their lowest in two years.
Delivered on a key pledge with the Great British Energy Bill, creating a new publicly owned energy company to cut bills and boost energy security.
Campaigns & National Advocacy
Launched the DSA Action Group to coordinate efforts across sectors to reopen Doncaster Sheffield Airport.
Championed Sam’s Law — a Private Members’ Bill on water safety and education reform:
Successfully passed its first stage in Parliament with cross-party support.
Hosted a Parliamentary event with Water UK and secured a meeting with the Water Minister.
Worked with fellow MPs to push Government on coalfield pensions, advocating for former mineworkers and the BCSSS Trustees.
Leadership in Parliament
Launched the Pitcher’s Parliament Programme, helping schools that miss out on official visits still experience Parliament first-hand.
Served on the Planning and Infrastructure Bill Committee, helping shape key legislation on housing, nature and national infrastructure.
Appointed Chair of the Water, Flood and Drought APPG, leading cross-party work on sustainability and water policy.
Selected as Labour’s Utilities Business Champion, advising on national energy and water strategy based on 25 years of professional experience.