It has certainly been an interesting week in the House of Commons, with some fascinating twists and turns. The PM has now secured agreement for the General Election and we can look forward to a festive period of door knocking without the carol singing and mince pies.

On a personal note I am pleased to have had the whip restored, but saddened by the large number of colleagues on all sides of the House standing down this time. I will miss Mims Davies who has represented Eastleigh since 2015 and has been a ray of joy in a sometimes gloomy Parliament. Additionally I was delighted to Chair my first Westminster Hall debate as part of the Panel of Chairs. This is an exciting new role, and I was called to stand in at late notice after a fellow member failed to turn up. Unfortunately I had hoped to speak in the debate on local planning, but had to chair it instead! For the first time I got to say “Order, order!”

Returning to the constituency I have a meeting with Southern Health to discuss a variety of issues. There has been a meeting scheduled for all Hampshire MPs which has now been postponed several times due to prorogation, State Opening and now dissolution. However, the issues constituents of mine have raised are so pressing that I have arranged a one on one with the Chief Executive.

Finally I have been touched by the very kind messages from many constituents after my recent hospitalisation. I would like to reassure readers I am now fighting fit and looking forward to a busy few weeks.

MP for Romsey and Southampton North, Caroline Nokes