Rt Hon Sir John Whittingdale OBE MP

Member of Parliament for Maldon

Local News & Constituency Visits

This page brings together local news and constituency updates from Sir John Whittingdale OBE MP, including visits to schools, businesses, charities, community groups and local events. It is a record of ongoing work across the constituency—listening to residents, supporting local priorities, and highlighting the organisations and people who make our area thrive.

Local health services

Meeting with Priti Patel and campaigners to discuss protecting services at St Peter’s Hospital, improving local primary care, and plans for a future medical hub following recent ICB decisions.

Dengie Solar Park

Visit to Dengie Solar Park highlighting renewable energy generation, local community funding, and its contribution to reducing emissions and supporting Maldon’s carbon neutrality goals.

Handley Gardens – Residents’ concerns

Meeting with Handley Gardens residents and developers to address estate management concerns, improve transparency on service charges and agree remedial works following issues raised by homeowners.

Priory Primary School

Visit to Priory Primary School in Bicknacre to speak with pupils about democracy, answer questions about parliamentary work and present badges to the newly elected School Council.

Merchant Navy Day

Attendance at Merchant Navy Day commemorations in Maldon honouring local seafarers who lost their lives in the Second World War and recognising the community’s continued remembrance.

Echoes of History show

Visit to the Echoes of History event in Rettendon, recognising the work of the Essex Historic Military Vehicles Association and the strong community turnout for the show.

St Peter’s Hospital decision

Welcomes retention of services at St Peter’s Hospital and progress toward a new health hub, while urging review of maternity changes and long-term local healthcare provision.

Visit to C&M Precision Ltd

Visit to C&M Precision Ltd in Maldon to meet staff and see work supporting key industries including aerospace, mining and energy.

A12 Widening Scheme Cancellation

Criticism of the decision to cancel the A12 Chelmsford–A120 scheme, warning it risks worsening congestion and undermining plans for housing, jobs and growth across mid-Essex.

Local Sport Facilities Receive Grants

Welcomes funding for three Maldon-area sports clubs through the Multi-Sport Grassroots Facilities Programme, supporting facility upgrades and wider participation in local sport.

Blackwater Leisure Centre plans

Concern raised with Maldon District Council over changes at Blackwater Leisure Centre affecting local groups, calling for clearer communication and support for those displaced.

Southminster Festival of Music

Sir John Whittingdale presents prize to the winner of the “Young Musician 11 years and under” at the Southminster Festival of Music