The number of Metropolitan Police Officers has fallen by 3,000. At the same time, overall crime in London has risen by 26%, while knife crime is up 27%. Given that more than 70% of the Met’s funding comes from the Home Office, I asked a Minister what the government is doing about it. The response? Yes but the murder rate is at its lowest level and the police have more money. But if the Met has more money, why are there 3,000 fewer police officers on our streets?

I want to update you on the roll out of ultrafast broadband in Orpington. It’s been progressing well over the past few years and it is now available to 83% of premises in Orpington. However, it is not moving quickly enough especially for those rural and hard-to-reach areas. One of the reasons is that is till a lot of red tape holding back preventing builders from accessing buildings. The government need to take an urgent look at this. Meanwhile you can check if it’s available at your address here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-your-gigabit-broadband-availability #orpington #broadband

Good local councillors are the backbone of our communities. They stand up for the everyday services we all reply on — from bin collections and pothole repairs to protecting our precious green spaces from inappropriate development. Mike and Sumeet are two examples of what dedicated Conservative councillors look like — deeply committed, hardworking, and always putting Chelsfield first. They work tirelessly for the local area, and our neighbourhoods are stronger because of them. If you live in Chelsfield, please back them this May. They will continue to fight relentlessly on your behalf. #greenbelt #bromley

Why can’t Ministers admit that the term “grey belt” is a dishonest concoction which they’ve created to mislead the pubic while they grab our precious grab green belt.

Yet another threat to our precious green belt. Developers want to build up to 130 housing units in St Paul’s Cray on protected land. Build the 1 million + homes already approved and prioritise brownfield sites — NOT our green belt.

Very well deserved recognition in Parliament for the phenomenal team behind Phoenix Early Learners in Petts Wood. After the sudden closure of Crofton Early Learners, staff, carers, parents and volunteers rolled up their sleeves and - at great speed - built something new for local families. Very well done to all at Phoenix Early Learners.

In November 2024, Simone White from Orpington lost her life following a mass methanol poisoning incident. She was one of six tourists who died after drinking contaminated alcohol at a hostel in Laos. Simone’s family have since campaigned for increased awareness and education on the dangers of methanol poisoning abroad. This week, I submitted a petition to Parliament calling on the government to ensure that children are taught about the dangers of consuming bootleg alcohol as part of the school curriculum.

Housebuilding has fallen consistently in London over the last decade. The government’s response? To cut Sadiq Khan’s targets by 11% while jacking up targets for outer London authorities. I asked the Housing Secretary why people in Bromley should pay the price for the Mayor of London’s failure. #housing #greenbelt #bromley

A developer wants to build a new housing estate on Strawberry Fields in Darwin Ward. It is green belt land. Their early proposals would see 650 homes as well as a care home and a community centre. There isn’t a formal planning application yet but the developer has already been in conversation with the council about submitting one. I joined Paul Marshall from the Aperfield Green Belt Action Group to hear about the grave consequences this would have on local people living here. #greenbelt #housing #labourparty #orpington