Of course, it wasn’t really a surprise to find ourselves in opposition after the 2024 election. The country had widely anticipated a Labour landslide, and indeed we had been warning of the risk of something like a ‘super majority.’ It came to pass.
The change has been striking, not just politically, but physically too. Sitting on the opposition benches with 120 Conservative MPs, we faced a sea of over 400 Labour ones. At Prime Minister’s Questions, there are so many on the government side that they not only fill the steps and the side aisles but spill into the upstairs galleries as well.
In addition to the expanded Labour presence, there are now more opposition parties than before. Not just Reform, but more Green MPs, more Northern Ireland parties, and the group of independents working with the last Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn.
Labour's majority shapes everything, not just the size of majorities on legislative votes but the form of day-to-day business in the House and the makeup of bill committees and influential select committees, where they now have significant majorities as well.
Following the election, I took on the role of interim Shadow Education Secretary, pending the election of our new party leader. As with every position I’ve held in Parliament, it was both challenging and rewarding. It was also a quite an adjustment to make – moving from the extensive support provided by the civil service as a minister to a small opposition team of two part time members of staff covering all education policy and media activity and Parliamentary support.
I’ve continued to focus on issues that matter to East Hampshire constituents. I’ve opposed the sudden doubling of our annual housebuilding target, and the so-called ‘family farm tax’ and its impact on our local farms, and questioned the rationale behind the controversial water recycling plans at the Havant Thicket reservoir.
Although I’m no longer in the shadow education role, I’ve also continued my focus on education issues, and wider issues for children including smartphones and social media. Quite a big chunk of my time has been on and around two significant pieces of legislation where I hope I have been able to bring my past experience to bear effectively.
Despite the confrontational nature of debate in the Commons chamber, many are surprised to learn how well MPs from different parties often get along. Since last July, I’ve enjoyed getting to know a number of the new Labour intake, LibDems and others. We may disagree on much, but one can ‘disagree agreeably’.
Moreover, there are always areas where co-operation is not only possible but vital. For example, I work closely with Labour colleagues through the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Down Syndrome, which I co-chair with a Labour MP, and on joint campaigns on online safety and fraud.
Much of the core work of an MP remains unchanged, regardless of whether you're in government or opposition. Helping constituents through casework, correspondence and surgery, plus supporting and seeking to represent our local businesses, charities and schools - these responsibilities are constant and essential.
Being in opposition has definitely brought different challenges and it took a little while to adjust. But it also brings with it new perspectives and opportunities. MPs are there to hold the government to account on behalf of our constituents. I am entirely committed to doing just that.
