Over the coming weeks in Parliament I intend to do all that I can to expose the hugely negative impact the excessive cuts being carried out by the Coalition Government will have in Durham.   

In my position as a Shadow Minister for Communities and Local Government  I intend to take the Coalition to task on increasing local procurement and on key planning issues, particularly the implementation of the National Planning Policy Framework.

Also I will be highlighting the short termism of cuts to Higher Education and the way in which cuts to public services make life more difficult for vulnerable people. Places like Durham which are important administrative centres for public services are also likley to suffer disproportionately from public sector cuts.

I'm looking forward to the challenges ahead and keep an eye on my blog for regular updates.