David’s Personally Speaking article is first published in The Sentinel (not online).

As Christmas approaches, we get the chance to spend quality time with our loved ones – many of whom we rarely see except during this special time of year. Personally, this time of year allows me to spend more time in the constituency, meeting local residents, local businesses, and community leaders. It’s also a chance to spend more time with my family and reflect on the past, the present, and what we want for the future.

I remember the many Christmas Eves I spent as a child at Mass at St. Wulstan’s. I also think of the Christmas mornings around the tree with my sisters as we visited our grandparents. I think further back about the rich history of our incredible area – the sacrifice of the workers who powered us through the industrial revolutions of the past: the potters, miners, steelworkers, and so many others. Often, I take advantage of the quiet period to enjoy some peaceful reflection.

Visiting our proud towns – Tunstall, Burslem, Kidsgrove – I am struck by the history within them. As I venture down Tunstall High Street, I remember jumping off the bus with my mum and shopping in a fantastic array of shops. Through Middleport, I see the once-thriving Price and Kensington teapot factory. As I potter around Burslem, I see the old Town Hall and the Burslem School of Art, now home to City College, giving our next generation a fantastic place to study.

But I also see The Leopard, that iconic pub which hosted many conversations between greats like Josiah Wedgwood and James Brindley. It stands there, surrounded by scaffolding, almost as a visual reminder of how desperately our heritage needs to be preserved. I try to imagine our area as the thriving place it was, but often, it sadly feels like nothing more than a distant memory.

Nonetheless, I am determined that our best days will not be behind us. Since I was given the honour of becoming the Member of Parliament for Stoke-on-Trent North and Kidsgrove in July, I have been flying the flag for our area – especially for our proud heritage. Earlier this month, I was able to ask questions to the Chancellor and the Prime Minister. I was pleased that they both shared my passion for looking after our historic buildings and bringing them back into use. One of the ways we could do this while also helping to fix a crisis within our area is to convert some empty buildings into affordable housing, giving local people a decent and affordable place to call home.

I will continue championing our heritage, which many of you tell me is a priority. In the last couple of months, thanks to the efforts of local MPs and the Council, the Government signed off on £20m funding for our city, including vital cash to stop the rot of Burslem Indoor Market and safeguard it for the future. I understand that work is also progressing to breathe new life into Tunstall Library and the Victorian swimming baths by creating new homes for local people, as well as new amenities for the local community.

I know there is so much to do, and this is just the start. I wish you all the best as we prepare to celebrate Christmas and enter the new year. I hope you have a merry Christmas filled withnew memories with your loved ones, and I hope that the new year brings happiness, health and prosperity. I also want to sincerely thank everyone who will be working over the festive period to keep our communities safe, our NHS running, and our shops open – we are deeplygrateful.

I will continue to work hard for all the people of our area, and I will remain proudly on the side of the hardworking people of Stoke-on-Trent and Kidsgrove.