THEY say a week is a long time in politics, but still it is hard to believe that 52 of them have passed since the most recent ‘snap’ general election last June.

After overturning one of the smallest majorities in the country to oust Tory Graham Evans, new Labour MP Mike Amesbury has hit the ground running, tackling more than 3,000 constituent cases along with major issues such as Barons Quay, the Mid Cheshire Rail line and a college in crisis.

His efforts have caught the eye of the Labour leadership, earning him a promotion to the shadow department of work and pensions team, but Mike says his focus remains on Weaver Vale as he enters his second year in office.

“I can’t believe a year has passed since I was given the honour of becoming Northwich’s MP,” Mike said.

“When I was elected it was one of the proudest moments of my life. The feeling was one of excitement but one also of a profound sense of responsibility. The people of Weaver Vale had put their faith in me – and I was determined not to let them down.

“What was obvious fairly early on was that Northwich was – and is – a growing town in transition. From Barons Quay and Weaver Square, to huge residential developments such as Winnington Village.”

Mike has seen results in a battle for broadband in the new developments, helped put the brakes on the leasehold scandal, and pushed for ‘real progress’ on Barons Quay and Weaver Square.

Further, improvements to the town’s rail links and station access have taken steps forward.

Mike also held emergency talks in the wake of the ‘devastating’ Mid Cheshire College Hartford campus closure news, having dealt with schools facing funding cuts throughout his first year.

“This too,” Mike said, “is something I will continue to campaign on.

“But beyond the big issues there are many individual ones too. I carry out monthly surgeries and as an office we’ve handled more than 3,000 constituent cases from people who are often in some truly desperate situations.

“We work tirelessly to resolve them and have had many successes on their behalf.

“In Parliament I’ve also been honoured to receive a promotion to the shadow DWP team, where I continue to press the government on issues affecting Northwich, including the rollout of Universal Credit there last December, and food bank use, which has risen by 40 per cent in Northwich during the last year.

“It’s been a busy year but I’ve enjoyed every second of it and my pledge to you as your MP is that I will continue to work relentlessly, both locally and in Parliament, to put the people of Northwich first.”