I was honoured this weekend to be asked to serve as a Minister in the Department for Education. It is a responsibility I take on with the experiences of children and families here in West Cumbria always at the front of my mind.
My professional life has been shaped by a commitment to children and young people. I began as a teacher, before becoming CEO of a charity dedicated to recruiting and developing brilliant social workers to support families in need. In 2022 I chaired the Independent Review of Children’s Social Care, calling for major reforms and new investment to ensure every child can grow up in a safe, stable and loving home.
Since being elected as your MP, I’ve worked hard to turn those recommendations into reality. Many are now being taken forward by the Labour government, backed by £2.1 billion in funding. In my new role I will work with the brilliant Secretary of State Bridget Phillipson, the ministerial team at the Department for Education, and colleagues across government to deliver on our commitment to transform the lives of vulnerable children.
But while this ministerial post gives me a platform to make change nationally, my most important job remains here in West Cumbria. As your MP, I will continue to be a champion for our area and for your priorities. Whether it’s bringing new nuclear here, upgrading our railway line and port, securing investment in our towns, or improving our health services, West Cumbria will always come first.
As Parliament returns from the summer recess, I’ll be stepping up the pace to deliver. The initial market engagement for potential developments at Pioneer Park concludes this month, and I am meeting ministers and officials to ensure we move quickly to select a developer. Next month I’ll lead the third delegation of Cumbria’s political and business leaders to meet the Rail Minister to keep pressing our case for the Cumbria Coast Line upgrade. Work on a draft masterplan for regenerating Whitehaven town centre and on the business case for upgrading the Port of Workington is underway, and I am working with the council and government on funding options. Locally, our new Urgent Dental Access Centre is now fully operational, our 24/7 community mental health hub will open soon, and a bid has gone in for a new Neighbourhood Health Centre in Workington.
Becoming a Minister is a huge privilege. But it is the trust placed in me by the people of West Cumbria that drives me every day. Whatever happens in Westminster, my priority will always be to serve you.
Josh MacAlister MP 