Looking back two years to my life-changing election

Derbyshire Dales MP SARAH DINES reflects on the many unforeseen challenges since she won her seat at the 2019 General Election... and passes on her Christmas wishes to all

I CANNOT quite believe that two years have passed since I was elected to be the Member of Parliament for Derbyshire Dales.

December 12 marked the two-year anniversary of the 2019 General Election.

I think back to election day. It was cold and I was understandably both excited and nervous.

Leading up to the day I knew I had worked hard, the teams of volunteers in Derbyshire Dales had been fantastic and I had met so many wonderful constituents, but that didn’t stop the tension mounting as polls closed at 10pm and I was on my way to the count.

The rest of the night into the early morning of the

13th is still a complete blur, but I do remember feeling an overwhelming sense of pride when the result was announced and of course my thoughts went to all that I wanted to achieve as the Member of Parliament.

Like all of you, I have had defining moments in my life; having my children, happy moments with my parents, family and friends and, of course, the moment I was elected to represent Derbyshire Dales.

My life changed in that moment and I am so thankful every day for this opportunity to work for you in Parliament.

Once in Westminster, it would be an understatement to say that the past two years were not exactly what I imagined they would be. I don’t think anyone could have foreseen the challenges that we have faced due to the pandemic.

There have been so many challenges and difficulties along the way, but I also think there has been progress and there are many things I am proud to have seen achieved.

I am incredibly proud of our vaccination programme and so very thankful to all the volunteers, NHS staff and coordinators that have made the programme a success.

The booster programme continues at speed and once again I encourage everyone who is eligible to have their booster as soon as they can and their flu jab, too.

I know that many people across the country are angry and frustrated at the moment at the video of No 10 staff seeming to make light of lockdown measures. I was equally exasperated.

The Prime Minister has said that he was furious when he saw the clip. So many of us in Derbyshire Dales and across the country have made enormous personal sacrifices throughout the pandemic and I completely understand why so many people, myself included, have found the video to be upsetting.

I am glad that the Prime Minister made clear that even though he has been repeatedly assured that there was no party and that no Covid rules were broken in Downing Street, he has directed the Cabinet

Secretary to investigate this matter, establish all the facts, and report back.

I have made a point to visit as many businesses in the Dales as possible and to help where I can. I have received a lot of emails, phone calls and mail since my election.

My team and I have dealt with nearly 40,000 emails and assisted with more than 21,707 cases.

I have done my best to answer every email and every case. I have had countless face-to-face and virtual meetings with district and county councillors, ministers, the Chancellor and the Prime Minister to try to put the issues of Derbyshire Dales to the top of the agenda.

I have lobbied ministers to support our heritage sites, our wedding venues, our hospitality industry and other businesses throughout the Dales.

I have written hundreds of letters to ministers on behalf of constituents and probably have annoyed some colleagues along the way by mentioning the need for the Ashbourne bypass at any opportunity I have.

As this is my last column in the Ashbourne News Telegraph before Christmas, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very merry and safe Christmas.

I know that many people are angry and frustrated at the video of No 10 staff seeming to make light of lockdown