They say a week is a long time in politics. This one has been very long indeed!
The news was understandably dominated by the defection of Bury South MP Christian Wakeford to the Labour Party.
I have known Christian for a long time, over a decade and had considered him a friend. To learn that he has been plotting with the Labour Party for months is disappointing and upsetting, especially for those of us who knew him well. He has let himself and his constituents down.
I will continue to respect what people voted for in 2019 and not put personal gain ahead of the people who put me here.
The week started with a series of meetings with MPs from all parties about the future of energy - rising utility pricing means we have to look at alternatives like hydrogen and modular nuclear in order to drive down prices.
On Tuesday I volunteered to participate in the 2nd reading committee for the Charities Bill. The new Bill, which has cross party support will make it easier for Charities to operate and significantly reduce the red tape burden on them.
Later on in the day I hosted a discussion between the Chair of the Science and Technology Select Committee and Dame Nancy Rothwell from Manchester University on the future of research and the new innovation zone.
Some of the high tech equipment used in the production of Graphene is made in Middleton and I'm keen to make sure that the benefits of future development and investment are felt in our communities, not just the City Centre.
This week, I also spoke in the Report Stage of the Elections Bill, which I served on the Bill Committee for.
The Bill makes significant changes to tackle electoral fraud which has been allowed to go unchecked for far too long. It was disappointing but not surprising that Labour opposed this.
Later in the week, I met with the Environment Secretary and local colleagues to discuss the Clean Air Zone proposed by the GMCA. The scheme proposed by the Council Leaders and Mayor would cripple local businesses and put people out of work. The Mayor has only delayed his plans, not stopped them, so we asked for support to challenge it and force a rethink.
On Thursday I had the great pleasure of visiting Middleton Sheet Metal with Business Minister Lee Rowley. MSM benefitted from Government funds to innovative their production practices. It was wonderful to see that world-class aircraft parts used by some of the biggest names in aerospace are being built here at home. A huge success story for Middleton.
On Friday I started the day with my regular catch up with the Head of Rochdale Sixth Form College where we discussed a range of subjects, including their ambitious expansion plan, driven by a significant demand from both Heywood and Middleton schools.
Later in the day I visited pupils at St Lukes in Heywood to present the first prizes from my "What the Green Belt Means to Me" competition - there was stiff competition and I was really impressed with how much thought and care had gone into all the drawings.
I rounded off the week on the doorstep, talking to local residents about their issues of concern. I love being able to get back out on the doors and I hope I'll get to have conversations with many of you in coming weeks.
