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Jul 2023
MPs Watch: Nigel Adams resignation, Boris Johnson report and a by-election
Every month the Stray Ferret tries to find out what our local MPs have been up to in their constituencies and in the House of Commons.
In June, Nigel Adams, Selby and Ainsty MP, resigned with immediate effect. The move came after the resignation of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who was later found to have deliberately misled parliament by the Privileges Committee.
Meanwhile, 13 candidates have put their names forward to contest the Selby and Ainsty by-election. Voters will go to the polls on Thursday, July 20.
We asked Ripon MP Julian Smith if he would like to highlight anything in particular, but did not receive a response.
Here is what we know after analysing their online presence.
Andrew Jones, Harrogate and Knaresborough MP.
In Harrogate and Knaresborough, here is what we found on Mr Jones:
- Mr Jones attended the Harrogate Hospital Community Charity summer extravaganza on June 4.
- On June 8, Mr Jones spoke in the House of Commons to ask how the government would promote open access railways.
- On June 11, he attended the Army Foundation College Freedom Parade in Harrogate.
- Mr Jones also took part in a community litter pick in Bilton as part of the Great Big Green Week on June 11.
- Mr Jones also spoke in parliament to ask government what steps were being taken to support female entrepreneurs amid concern that the number of women starting businesses is below that of men.
- Mr Jones voted in the House of Commons for the Privileges Committee report on June 19.
- On June 22, Mr Jones weighed in on the debate over designating Harrogate’s Stray as common land. He there was “no positive reason for change”.
- Mr Jones gave Harrogate Ladies College prefects a tour of the Houses of Parliament on June 28.
When we contacted Mr Jones for comment, his office sent a list of his engagements for June.
Among those included hosting a charity coffee morning for Henshaws, attending the bed race in Knaresborough and taking part in a Barclays Business roundtable event at the West Park Hotel.
He also attended a National Farmers Union event on June 6 and filmed a video for World Environment Day.
Mr Jones’ office pointed out that his engagements and activities could also be found on his Community News Website and his Facebook and Instagram feeds.
Julian Smith, MP for Ripon and Skipton.
In Ripon, here is what we found on Mr Smith:
- On June 5, Mr Smith spoke in the House of Commons on the government building trust with the current inquiry into the coronavirus pandemic.
- Mr Smith voted in the House of Commons for the Privileges Committee report on June 19.
- On June 24, Mr Smith joined the Conservative by-election campaign in Selby and Ainsty.
- On June 28, Mr Smith attended a networking event with Ripon Business Improvement District where he heard concerns from local businesses.
- Mr Smith met with the Dean of Ripon Cathedral in Westminster on June 28. Among the discussion was refurbishment plans at Ripon Cathedral.
- Mr Smith updated his MPs constituency website 10 times throughout June.
Read more:
- Selby and Ainsty MP resigns with immediate effect
- Local MPs vote in favour of Privileges Committee report
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