The South West is undoubtedly the greatest region in Britain, and full of great talent.

But for too long, some people consider our region as just a holiday destination. They think of sandcastles and cream tea, rather than cutting-edge defence jobs or the home of world-class climate research.

As MP, I am determined to change that image. To do so, I believe in working with communities to get things done.

In our part of Devon, we’ve secured millions of pounds from the Levelling Up Fund for the Dinan Way road extension, a new police station for Exmouth, the reopening of Honiton’s police station to the public, the green light for a new railway station in Cullompton, £20 million for the Sidmouth Beach Management Plan, a banking hub for Sidmouth, £1.4 million to help reduce flooding around the River Otter and River Sid, the green light to push ahead with plans to build a brand new building and facilities for Sidmouth Primary School, and up to £30m from South West Water to upgrade our water infrastructure in Sidmouth to help reduce sewage spills. Meanwhile, South West Water will spend £38 million in Exmouth. South West Water need to clean up their act and our water, and I want them to speed up these investments.

Plans for a new school to replace Tipton St John Primary continue to progress through the government’s School Rebuilding Programme. I would warmly encourage people to have their say in the consultation on Devon County Council’s ‘Have Your Say’ website.

There is much more still to do. I’ve been campaigning for more funding for road repairs, and I’ve also been pushing for banking hubs for Exmouth, Budleigh Salterton and Ottery St Mary.

When I became an MP, I felt our region did not shout loud enough about what we have to offer. That’s why I decided to take up an unpaid role as Chair of the Great South West cross-party group of MPs and Lords.

I believe in working with local communities – and cross-party where possible – to get things done.