Politically, it has been a year of two halves as 2024 was punctuated at the midpoint by a general election which brought a change of government.

For me that has also meant a move from being a member of the government to a backbencher on the other side of the chamber.

In both halves of the year, and on both sides of the Commons, it has again been an enormous honour to serve as your Member of Parliament.

Locally, I’ve had the pleasure of visiting or revisiting many of our fantastic attractions Gilbert White’s Museum, Butser Ancient Farm, the Watercress Line - as well as our excellent local schools, most recently as part of UK Parliament Week.

Securing the green light for the Bordon banking hub, which is set to open next spring, stands out as a highlight. A little persistence has brought a good result, and I know this hub will be a valuable asset for East Hampshire residents including in Worldham and Kingsley.

It is always interesting to see the variety of innovative businesses in our area driving the local economy and supporting local careers. It has been great this year to visit employers from JB Corrie in Petersfield to Xavio Lighting in Alton.

It has been a privilege too to interact with many local community groups, whether litter picking in Petersfield or joining a tea dance with Dementia Friendly Alton or celebrating local apprenticeship graduates.

And events like the Dementia Festival in Petersfield have been a powerful reminder of both the challenges people face and the incredible local support that is available.

Nationally, this year brought sobering moments, including the Post Office Horizon scandal and the Infected Blood Inquiry.

On the latter, I have joined the all-party group on this; there are still issues to be resolved on the compensation. The year culminated with Parliament’s vote on assisted dying, one of the most momentous debates of our age.

From my former role in the Department for Education there was more good news this year on the huge strides made, thanks to our brilliant teachers and school leaders, supported by our reforms. Most recently an OECD international study showed a big improvement in the numeracy and literacy of recent school leavers in England compared to the last time the same study was done 11 years ago.

The first half of the year brought big improvements in the economy, with growth, inflation back to target, and unemployment staying low. More recently the indicators have been less benign and there are particular worries about what will happen with unemployment.

The fallout from the Budget has sparked widespread concern. I’ve heard (and continue to hear) from local farmers about agricultural property relief, publicans and retailers worried about reduced business rates relief, and individuals hit hard by the decision to severely limit winter fuel payments.

The biggest impact of all is the increase in employer National Insurance, which sharply raises the cost of employing someone, and hits all sorts of employers, from shops and factories to hospices and nurseries. These issues will remain high on the agenda as we enter 2025.

Through the year, it has as ever been a pleasure to meet many Herald and Post readers – whether at surgeries, public meetings, on doorsteps, and quite a few supermarket car park conversations!

If you think I may be able to help with something, please do get in touch. I will always do my best to help.

I hope you’ve had a wonderful Christmas and I wish you all the very best for 2025.