Thurrock MP Jen Craft: My first year as your Member of Parliament 

WHEN people in Thurrock put their trust in me a year ago, I promised to be a hardworking local MP.

I came into politics because I felt our area deserved better. I saw how families like mine had carried the burden of political failures over the last decade – paying more and getting less – and I wanted to put things right.

I’ve tried to make good on those promises in my first year as Member of Parliament for Thurrock.

Through monthly surgeries, regular public meetings, and community events, I’ve met so many people from across our area. I’ve directly supported over 4,000 constituents and been involved with some of the fantastic work being done in Thurrock. But I’ve also seen where things are just not working as they should.

I’ve heard from families who are struggling to put food on the table, patients who are unable to see their GP, and residents who feel unsafe in their area at night.  

This isn’t right. I’ve been working every day to tackle these issues, with important steps toward making things better for you and your family.   

We now have 20 new GPs training here in Thurrock, with investment to upgrade four surgeries and plans to shift more care into the community.

From next year, thousands more children will get free school meals, ensuring all our kids get a healthy, hot meal and helping family finances.  Like the last Labour government, we have also given a pay rise to hardworking families – with an increase in the minimum wage putting more money in people’s pockets. 

And, having heard residents’ plea for a more visible policing, I’ve been working with the police as they set up new neighbourhood teams in Thurrock. We now have eight more community officers thanks to extra funding from our Labour Government, fulfilling our pledge to rebuild neighbourhood policing.

Repairing the damage of the last decade is not an overnight task. It takes time and difficult decisions, and I haven’t been afraid to speak up when I think the wrong choice is being made. While I know times are still tough for people in Thurrock, the last 12 months shows we are moving in the right direction.   

So, as I enter my second year as your MP, I am even more determined to stand up for our area and just as positive about what we can achieve.

Like you, this is my home, and I won’t stop fighting until we see things put right for Thurrock. My door is always open if you need support – don’t hesitate to get in touch.