CHESTER’S new MP hath sung the praises of the city and its people in her maiden speech at the House of Commons.
Sam Dixon was elected in a landslide for Labor at last month’s by-election, taking over the seat from former MP Chris Matheson, who resigned following an independent panel’s findings of serious sexual misconduct.
And on Monday night (January 9), the new City of Chester MP highlighted the successes of the city and its communities in her maiden speech, during a debate on the Procurement Bill.
Surrounded by a circle of supportive Labor MPs as she was introduced by Speaker of the House Lindsay Hoyle, Ms Dixon said: “Thank you, Mr Speaker. I am genuinely delighted to be speaking in this important debate.
“As a former leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, I am proud to have a strong record of putting the principles of social value at the heart of public spending.
“The Northgate Development in Chester is a central regeneration project in the heart of Chester city centre. The council on which I have served since 2011 was the main driver for this exciting project.
“Indeed, I was proud to see the new public market open in November, with nearly half a million customers already through the door. In delivering this project, we have squeezed every last penny of value from every pound not spent just to deliver the project itself, but to deliver 435 weeks of apprenticeship opportunities, 13 education events, 12 work placements, 43 training weeks, 64 employment activities and more than £22 million-worth of expenditure in the local economy.
“On top of that, construction workers raised money for local homelessness charities; there were donations to the local food banks; Chester Football Club – a fan-owned, community club – had its car park upgraded; and many students from local schools and colleges Gained valuable industry insight from being involved in a live and local construction project.
“Even the sandstone excavated from the drainage tunnel ended up being recycled in the rhinoceros enclosure at Chester Zoo. This is how we do business in Chester.
“Social value is highly important and an opportunity to make, buy and sell more in Britain. Chester has shown that that makes a difference to local communities and can be done in the right way.
“Chester has a long and complex history that attracts visitors and businesses to the city and makes it a fascinating and beautiful place to live. Chester was founded by the Romans in AD79, due to its strategic advantage given our geographic location on the border with Wales and on the banks of the River Dee.
“An integral historical feature which Cestrians use to this day is the city’s walls. Many places in Britain are walled but only Chester has a complete circuit.
“These days, our city is a thriving and vibrant place characterized by excellent hard-working retailers, traders, restaurateurs, publicans, and visitor attractions such as Chester Zoo and the Deva Roman Experience, who are all committed to the future of our city. I am determined to help Chester to weather the current economic storm and make our city a top retail and tourism destination.This commitment is one of five I have made to the people of Chester that I intend to keep now I am here as their elected representative .
“I want to restore frequent, reliable buses and trains to keep our city connected to the wider country, and I want to return to neighborhood policing with more officers on the beat in our communities. Most of all, I want to stand up for our city ​​and end the cost living crisis which is badly hitting many people living in Chester.
“The River Dee, the reason why our city is where it is, has been well used over centuries, whether for industry, recreation or sport. Indeed, the river hosts the oldest rowing regatta in the world, celebrating its 290th anniversary this year. It is a busy and important part of our city and the reason I will be working so hard to end the practice of dumping raw sewage into it, as is currently permitted.
In other sporting news, Chester has had a football club since 1885. Currently playing in the National League North, the club has always fulfilled an important role in our community.
“Since 2010, the club has been a supporter-owned co-operative with elected directors, hundreds of volunteers and thousands of members.
“Chester FC is currently enjoying some success under a talented young manager, Calum McIntyre. The club motto is ‘Our city. Our community. Our club’, and that is being realized through a set of principles and values ​​based on a mission to create a successful team and bring and cohesion to our city, and to do it without ever going into debt.The club reflects and is a prime example of the importance of social value;I wish the club continued success.
“I first visited the Houses of Parliament when I was a sixth-former at Christleton High School. The visit was hosted by Peter Morrison, the first member of Parliament for the City of Chester I can remember. His successor was Gyles Brandreth, whose candidacy , I recall what was announced on Red Nose Day prior to the general election 1992. His spell as the city’s MP was characterized by his good humour, something which continues today as he serves as chancellor of the University of Chester.
“In 1997, the people of Chester elected the city’s first ever woman Member of Parliament, Christine Russell. She served our city well for 13 years and continues to do so in many roles across the constituency. She remains a good friend and mentor to me .
“Her successor, Stephen Mosley, served the city for five years and contributed much to parliamentary life through his role on the Science and Technology Committee. My predecessor, Christian Matheson, was also widely acknowledged throughout the constituency for his hard work on behalf of many residents and stakeholders. I am honored to follow in all of their footsteps.
“Chester, as beautiful, unique and historic as it is, has always masked significant levels of inequality. A commitment to improve the lives of others has been a thread throughout the years and the work of my predecessors.
“Our city has a popular and thriving university that sees students from across the globe choosing to come to study in Chester. Our university trains many of the nurses, midwives and healthcare professionals who serve our community so well in association with our local health trusts. Along with our excellent schools and their hard-working teachers, and our superb police officers and firefighters, as well as the first-rate officers of the council, Chester is served by many fine public servants.
“As we reach the tail end of winter, the struggles that our communities are facing are not easing. The current economic climate makes it more important than ever to create a transparent procurement system; one with social value and public interest at its heart and which will support suppliers who act ethically and create high-quality jobs.
“Chester was a pioneer for social value in that, 21 years ago, our city became the very first Fairtrade city in the country. I am proud that in our city we live and breathe the principles of social value.
“Most importantly, I am honored to have been elected to serve the people of Chester, and I will work hard for them every day.
“I have lived in Chester for nearly all of my life. It is where my home is and where my heart is. I want the very best for my city, and I promise that this Chester woman will be a determined and dedicated public servant for those who voted for me and for those who did not. I will be an MP for all the people of Chester. I look forward to serving them here in this place.”