That's a wrap on Labour conference 2026!

Whatever your thoughts on politics may be, this year's conference was a huge shining light on bringing back hope and setting the country on the right path for growth.

This is massive for towns like Stafford.

We often get left behind as the focus is often on big cities like Manchester and Birmingham, but I'll keep working hard to change this.

Read on for some recent good news!

Compulsory Purchase Orders

Before conference kicked off, I launched my 'No Reward for Neglect' campaign to encourage the government to change the laws around Compulsory Purchase Orders.

Under current rules, when a building is left to fall into disrepair by a landlord, councils can be forced to cover the legal costs of property owners if they enforce a CPO.

I don't think that's fair.

As of last week, Labour announced they will back councils with the powers and resources necessary to call time on rogue landlords, and compulsory purchase properties that fall below acceptable standards - including where landlords have refused to make improvements.

This announcement is a massive step towards my goal of No Reward for Neglect.

This isn't the end for my campaign, though, as I still want to see the end of councils paying the legal fees for neglectful property owners.

You can sign my petition if you agree - https://www.leighingham.co.uk/take-action/no-reward-for-neglect/

Leasehold Reforms

My political career started out as a cllr, and during this time I saw the harsh reality of leaseholds.

It lit a fire in me to change something. I would frequently encourage residents to start campaigning, and eventually it led me to where I am today.

For many leaseholders, they are forced into paying astronomical fees for basic upkeep of their estate, often with poor service and delivery to show for it.

I think this is just beyond comprehension, and change is way overdue.

I'm proud to be part of the Government which is making that change happen.

On 29th September 2026, it was announced that the Secretary of State will be given the powers to introduce caps to these fees, and landlords must follow.

This means no more bills for simply asking your landlord if you can keep a pet.

These changes will get to the root of the issues and make life easier for current and future homeowners.

Great British Grid

Currently, household bills are far too high for the average family.

Earlier in the year the Labour government announced GB Energy, a company set up by the government to generate renewable energy and ensure we can become energy independent (meaning we don't have to rely on other countries for our energy supply which in turn keeps our bills high).

Prime Minister Andy Burnham then announced that VAT would be removed from electricity bills, which came into force on 1st October.

During the Labour Party Conference, Andy announced the creation of Great British Grid: a publicly owned scheme within GB Energy which will speed up the delivery of an electricity network that Britain needs to keep up with the ever-growing demand.

For residents Stafford, Eccleshall, and the villages this means quicker, cleaner and cheaper energy bills, alongside greater energy security.

Avanti West Coast

Chats with you have given me a huge insight into how you feel about rail, particularly as Stafford has one of the best networks in the country, and reliable trains are essential for our local economy and growth.

But too often, I hear your frustrating stories about Avanti underperforming.

Bringing Avanti to public ownership is massive for Stafford, and a huge opportunity to put passengers before profit.

This change provides a clear opportunity to deliver better services, improve reliability and ensure passengers receive high-quality customer care.

For customers using the station things will remain the same, but this is about putting people before profit and building a rail network that benefits Stafford and the wider area.

National Care Service

For successive governments, social care has been left in the too-hard-to-fix box.

Older people can face huge care bills, families are put under enormous pressure, and the consequences are felt throughout our NHS.

Workers are caring for our elderly on poverty pay, while the sector creates bonuses for Care company shareholders.

Our Prime Minister is determined to change that.

The proposal is for a National Care Service, providing free personal care such as help with washing, dressing and eating, with care delivered at home wherever possible.

This will be partly funded by changes to the pension system.

The current pension triple lock will be protected for this Parliament, then from April 2030 it is proposed that pensions would rise each year by at least inflation or 2.5%, whichever is higher, with potential adjustments to keep pace with earnings over the longer term.

The aim is a new deal for older people, both now and in the future: a pension that continues to rise, no charges for personal care, and greater peace of mind about the cost of getting the care you need.

Water

A frequently raised issue in my inbox is water companies and their extortionate profits, and lack of care for its users.

Back in 1989 water companies were privatised, meaning that companies could chase profit over environmental impact, affordability, and infrastructure investment.

In recent years we have seen sewage dumped in our rivers and seas, and bills go through the roof with little to no consequences to CEOs.

At conference, Andy announced he would present a strengthened Water Bill to Parliament to allow greater control of water companies in the future.

Under these proposed changes, we will be able to hold water companies to account to ensure their profit doesn't outweigh your bills.

Youth Unemployment

I run the risk of sounding like a broken record, but our young people deserve better.

One of the most striking moments of Labour Conference was hearing our Prime Minister directly acknowledge the challenges young people face and apologise for the lack of support they have been given.

It was a powerful recognition of the reality that many of our young people face.

With youth unemployment high, we can't afford to waste the talent and potential of the next generation.

Every young person deserves a chance to build a future, develop their skills, and access good quality jobs.

We have a massive opportunity to deliver that for them right here in Stafford.

We have top education providers, skilled jobs backing British industries, and affordable homes in a well-connected town – it is time we linked all that together.

Speaking at Conference, the PM committed to reforming education and welfare so that young people have the best start to their career.

This includes expanding technical education and strengthening routes for apprenticeships.

Our young people are full of ambition and potential.

The task now is to ensure opportunity matches that ambition.

I came away from Labour Conference feeling inspired, and passionate about what the future holds for our country.

Delivering room to breathe, while working towards long-term solutions to bring back hope and opportunity for all.