Words by Ed King / Pics supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP
Erdington’s Member of Parliament, Paullette Hamilton (Labour), has invited local residents living in South Oscott to ‘have a cuppa with your new MP’.
In an event held at Maryvale Community Centre on Saturday 7 September, from 12noon to 2pm, Ms Hamilton is looking to engage in “a relaxed conversation” with people in the area and gain “a clear understanding of the key issues in South Oscott”.
She is further hoping that the chance to meet face to face with their Member of Parliament will “ensure that locals [in South Oscott] feel confident in approaching [her] with any concerns.”
Anyone wanting to attend can be signed in at the event, with no advance booking necessary. Security will be present by a spokesperson from the MP’s office has said they will “keep it informal”.
Having retained her seat in the recent General Election – beating the Reform UK parliamentary, Jack Brookes, by 7019 votes and the Conservative candidate, Steve Knee, by 9372 votes – Paulette Hamilton continues to hold a strong majority in the traditionally Labour seat.
But following boundary changes to Erdington constituency in 2024, Ms Hamilton is now the voice in Parliament for the entire Kinsgstanding Ward and half of the Oscott Ward.
Oscott Ward is represented in Birmingham City Council by Cllr Barbara Dring (Labour) and Cllr Darius Sandhu (Conservative).
Paulette Hamilton MP told Erdington Local: “Two months ago, I had the honour of being re-elected as the Member of Parliament for Birmingham Erdington, now proudly representing South Oscott and the whole of Kingstanding. When I said I wanted to champion the concerns of local people, I meant every word.
“This is why I am keen to get stuck in, listen to residents’ concerns, and campaign on their priorities. I believe in the power of personal connection, which is why I am inviting local people from South Oscott to join me for a cup of tea or coffee.”
She added: “Let’s have a relaxed conversation where (they can see the real me – someone who genuinely cares and listens.
“I am committed to being a strong voice for every corner of our community in Parliament, ensuring that no area and no community feels left behind.”
Paullette Hamiliton already holds five monthly ‘MP surgeries’ across the Erdington constituency, with one to one sessions held in Kingstanding, Perry Common, Erdington, Stockland Green, and Castle Vale.
The MP’s office also organises special immigration advice sessions at Perry Common Hall on Wednesdays.
At the time of writing is was unclear if there would be additional regular MP surgeries organised in the Oscott Ward.
However, a spokesperson from the MP’s office confirmed: “Paulette [Hamilton] knows how important it is for local people to access their MP” and they are “looking for a suitable arrangement” for residents in the area.
For more on Paulette Hamilton MP for Erdington visit www.paulettehamilton.org