Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
It’s a whole new world
Hugh Gaffney says he has “enjoyed every minute” of his whirlwind first two days at Westminster.
The new Labour MP for Coatbridge, Chryston & Bellshill travelled to his new workplace for the first time on Monday – and will be officially sworn in tomorrow.
He has so far toured the Commons chamber and begun learning his way round parliament, participated in the election of the Speaker and joined party leader Jeremy Corbyn for a photocall as a member of their sevenstrong Scottish contingent.
Mr Gaffney also made an impact on social media by sharing a selfie from his flight to London and another picture with Big Ben as a backdrop in which he sported his Parcel Force uniform.
He wrote in accompaniment: “I always say remember where you started, and for me it was and always will be as a postman – so on my way to Westminster, I made sure I wore my old work shirt as a reminder.”
He told the Advertiser yesterday: “That was my Keir Hardie plan; it’s been quite popular!
“From day one I’ve said this is for the people, and I want them to enjoy it.
“It’s been really good so far; I’ve been learning the ropes and picking things up, and it’s all go but I’ve enjoyed getting to meet new people.”
The 53- year- old dad of three – who won the seat held by the SNP’s Phil Boswell since 2015 – has worked in the postal industry for 25 years and has served as a trade union official with the Communication Workers’ Union throughout that time, recently becoming its Scottish political officer.
He has also been secretary of the North Lanarkshire trade union council for the past 15 years, and said: “I’ve always been involved as I just think somebody helped me, and it’s right to return it.”
Mr Gaffney told his social media followers after visiting Westminster for the first time: “I’m delighted to have been elected MP for the area I grew up in – thanks to voters and activists for their support.
“It was a good first day, but the best days are yet to come when I can get stuck in representing my constituents and their interests.”
He was welcomed to his new role by party colleague Elaine Smith, the Coatbridge-based Central Scotland MSP, who said: “I know Hugh will work tirelessly for local people and will represent his constituents with the utmost dedication and enthusiasm.
“I congratulate every hard-working campaigner who helped elect our new MP and thank the electorate for voting Labour on this occasion.
“There is no doubt that the ‘Corbyn bounce’ was one of the main reasons for securing a Labour victory, and I look forward to working with Hugh Gaffney MP.”
● See Mr Gaffney’s first Talking Politics column for Advertiser readers on page 20.