WEEKLY COLUMN by Stroud MP Simon Opher 

One of the books I have been reading this summer is Rory Stewart’s ‘Politics on the Edge’. Whatever your politics, it is clear that he is a remarkable man, with a distinct and creative approach to solving problems.

Despite the many differences between us (him being Conservative and me Labour is the most obvious one), I think – hope - that we share some similarities. His constituency (Penrith) and ours face some similar challenges (rural inequality, poor local transport, and so on).

Rory went into politics after spending years working as a diplomat and in various roles in foreign aid and education, hoping to be able to make use of his skills and experiences in Parliament. And, in due course, he was able to do that, but not always in the ways that he had hoped for or expected.

Much of the early part of the book is about his frustration with being a newly elected MP, full of ideas and enthusiasm, but needing to learn the Parliamentary ropes.

It is also about how he set about representing his constituency, throwing himself into supporting people who felt that they had been neither listened to, understood or supported by the powers that be.

I have been on a similar learning curve. In Stroud, as a doctor, I have thirty years experience on which to draw, and, for better or worse, a record of sorts. As an MP, I am a beginner.

Putting together a team to help tackle the casework has been a relief and an inspiration. It has taken time, and a lot of thought, but I think that we are well placed to make a positive impact on the lives of those people who need us most.

I have also been thinking about how best I can represent and serve Stroud. Ours is a special part of the world and I did not get elected to simply pass time as an MP. I have less than five years to use whatever heft I have to make a difference - and that is exactly what I intend to do.