Rt Hon Sir John Whittingdale OBE MP

Member of Parliament for Maldon

December update

I hope all of my constituents had a Happy Christmas and New Year. I know for many, this past year was difficult in many ways. However, I hope that the continuation of our remarkable vaccination programme, with a particular focus on booster jabs- will see us out of this pandemic for good. I hope that […]

Illegal Hare Coursing

I am pleased that the Government is introducing new legislation to crack down on illegal hare coursing.  Hare coursing is an illegal activity – where dogs are used to chase, catch and kill hares – and is a serious problem in some rural areas. Not only does hare coursing involve cruelty to wild animals, but it is also associated with a […]

Royal Mail Delays – Update

I am fully aware that there have been ongoing issues with the Royal Mail sorting centre in Chelmsford, which has been affecting numerous postcodes in the surrounding area, including my constituency. This has led to many of my constituents having delayed or missing deliveries. I completely understand the frustration of my constituents, especially given the importance of receiving your promptly at this time of year. Since these issues with the […]

Plan B Restrictions

Last night, I voted for the restrictions that the Government has been advised to bring in to respond to the threat of Omicron. I did this reluctantly, but thought it best to set out why I did this, as I have had many emails from people both in support of the changes, and against. I […]

Reports of 10 Downing Street Christmas Party

I fully understand the anger felt by many at reports that a party was held in Downing Street in December last year and by the subsequent comments made by staff at a press conference rehearsal. I have received a number of emails from constituents about this and can appreciate their strength of feeling, particularly among […]

Building Risk Review

I recently attended a meeting with the Commissioner and the Chief Fire Officer, Rick Hylton, to discuss the implications of the Building Risk Review, and what this will mean for buildings in Essex.  I was informed of which buildings in the Essex constituencies will be impacted by this reform. Although I do not have any of these buildings in my constituency, […]

GP Surgeries Update

I am acutely aware of continued problems my constituents are experiencing with GP appointments.   I recently had a meeting with the Mid Essex Clinical Commissions Group (CCG) to discuss these issues in full and to understand what action they are taking to improve the situation. The CCG are aware of the strength feeling felt by my constituents and I have made multiple representations to them about the issues many residents are […]

November Update

Welcome to my November Update. It has been a busy month both in Westminster, and the Constituency. I have enjoyed making a number of visits in the constituency this month, including visiting several schools to talk to pupils about UK Parliament Week, as well as visiting a Maldon-based business specialising in sustainable energy solutions during […]

Social Care Cap

I have had a number of constituents contact me about the vote on the social care cap last week, and to ask why I voted in support of the changes. I am clear that the proposals which have been set out will deliver the changes needed where others have failed and see a significant improvement […]

Royal Mail Delays

I have recently become aware of a serious issue with postal deliveries in some areas of the constituency. Many of my constituents who come under the Chelmsford (CM3) postal area, especially those in South Woodham Ferrers and South and East Hanningfield, have had deliveries missed or severely delayed. I take this issue very seriously as […]