Feeling much stronger. The sun really brightening everything up. We've had so much rain and I think everyone's fed up with it. A busy morning working on constituency matters and then out and about in my constituency. Labour's new recruit,…
Still out of action today, but watched and read about home and world affairs with interest. Also time to write to several constituents on various matters. Meanwhile, in the Commons, there was a surprise which no one was prepared for, not…
Hors de combat for a couple of days after a minor procedure today. In other news, the defence secretary told MPs that state - China? - involvement could not be ruled out in a hack of an Armed Forces' payroll system. A five-month-old baby…
What a day! All eyes were on the Dorset Council election, being counted at Redlands Sports Centre in Weymouth. There were plenty of nervous politicians from all Parties as the day wore on. Counting did not actually begin until about 1400,…
Polling Day. Mayors and councillors across the country faced their electorate today, although all the results would not be known until the end of Saturday. I wish our team well, especially in Dorset. A day to tackle the constituency in…
Back in Dorset and down to Weymouth to help our excellent councillor Louie O'Leary. He does an outstanding job in Littlemoor and will hopefully be re-elected. In other news, a man was charged with murdering 14-year-old schoolboy Daniel…
Another shocking knife attack dominated the headlines. This time a 14-year-old boy died after the attacker, armed with a sword, went on the rampage in north-east London. I despair at all these knife incidents. What on earth is going on!…
Chaos in Scotland! The search had begun for a new first minister of Scotland following Humza Yousaf's announcement of his intention to quit the role. I don't think many Scots will be shedding too many tears at his departure, nor at the…
Richard Drax, MP for South Dorset, has received an update on Boots’ plans for mitigation of the increased pressure on Easton Pharmacy, Portland, following the closure of Boots, Fortuneswell.
A wonderful day as another grandchild arrived into this world, this time a boy. Lots to get on with, not least a few phone calls, but after a busy morning, I headed to Weymouth for more campaigning. The local elections were now only a few…
More good news with Buckingham Palace announcing the King would resume public duties next week, after doctors said they were pleased with the progress of his cancer treatment. A charming picture of the King and Queen Camilla was on the…
A wonderful day as another grandchild arrived into this world, this time a boy. Lots to get on with, not least a few phone calls, but after a busy morning, I headed to Weymouth for more campaigning. The local elections were now only a few…
Much work to do before a virtual meeting with Liz Ferdenzi, who is my direct contact with the migrant barge in Portland Port. We have agreed to speak regularly so I can keep up with how everything is going on board. Some constituents had…
Another interesting day. It began with my morning jaunt under grey skies. Into the office and a quick catch-up on matters, before heading to the Thatcher Room in PCH for another session of our Defence Committee. Today was day one of our…
I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Hastings and Rye (Sally-Ann Hart) and my hon. Friend the Member for Darlington (Peter Gibson)—who is sat beside me—on securing this debate, and it is a pleasure to follow my hon. Friend the…
A mixed day back in the Commons, with a speech on hospice funding, a charge of spying for China against a parliamentary researcher and another man and the final stage of the controversial Rwanda Bill. It's rarely boring here. Up from…
On a bright day, I headed to Weymouth to join Cllr Louie O'Leary and a team of members to help with some leafleting. We had a fun morning, before I went to the Community Centre to meet Ruth Mills, who is to establish a youth club evening…
Another busy day, the highlight being a virtual meeting with three representatives from Boots. Since the closure of their pharmacy in Underhill on Portland, I have inquired into whether another company could take over the premises. Today,…
Today, the Rwanda Bill was back in the Commons, the Lords having sent back two further amendments. The PM had hoped they'd stop playing ping pong, but it seemed that we'd have to look at this Bill again on Monday. A lot to catch up on…
The Prime Minister told Benjamin Netanyahu it was “a moment for calm heads to prevail” in Israel’s response to Iran’s missile and drone attack. As Charles Moore pointed out in today's Telegraph, the PM's call for restraint, rather than…
A very poignant and sad day. My former Association Chairman, and good friend, George Preston, was remembered with love, affection and humour at his Memorial Service, held in the Church of St Edward, King & Martyr Corfe Castle. Movingly,…
A warm and sunny day. Making the most of it, I headed to Swanage on my motorbike to meet the remarkable Robert Foster. Bob, as he likes to be called, is a Trustee of the Swanage & Purbeck Development Trust, which is based in the former Day…