Getting In Touch

There is a long standing parliamentary convention that MPs only deal with cases raised by people living in their own constituencies. There is also a very practical element to this, as the job of an MP is a very busy one and unfortunately my staff and I do not have the time or resources to correspond with people living elsewhere.  I am sure you will understand that I must prioritise people living in Plymouth Sutton.

Consequently, please include your full address, including postcode, when you get in touch. Emails and letters that do not include an address cannot be answered. It is also helpful to include your telephone number(s) should my staff or I need to contact you to discuss your case.

This is particularly important in Plymouth, because the City is covered by three constituencies (Plymouth Sutton, Plymouth Devonport and South West Devon).

You can check which constituency you live in and who your MP is by clicking here.

Contact Details

Surgeries

I usually arrange to speak or meet with constituents through individual appointments, rather than holding fixed surgeries. To make the most of my time and yours, it is helpful if you contact me in the first instance by email or in writing.

Local Council Issues

Local conuncillors are the first point of contact on issues relating to the provision of local services by Plymouth City Council (such as rubbish collection and council housing). You can find you who your local councillors are here. It is also worth visiting Plymouth City Council's website.

However, I do take a close interest in everything going on in Plymouth, so if you are dissatisfied with the response you receive or if you think it is an issue of wider significance than your individual case, then please do let me know.

Letters About Government Policy & National Issues Etc

I am happy to correspond with you about specific areas of policy or issues. As well as responding with my own views, I can often seek answers to specific queries from Government  Ministers too.

However, you may like to check out some of the other sections of this website - such a National Issues, Major Campaigns and my Blog - as you may find an answer to your query, especially if it is a current  or topical issue.

The rise of professional campaigning among charities and pressure groups has led to an increase in standard mailings, such as pre-printed post cards. Despite the huge numbers often received, it is still my policy to reply to each and every one, albiet on occasion with a standardised reply. I always keep myself  informed of the number of messages coming in so that I have an understanding of the strength of feeling that exists.

Data Protection Authorisation Form

If your case involves organisations - such as government agencies and departments or doctors and the police - then my office will need your written authourisation in order for me to act on your behalf and in order for the outside organisations to share information about your case with me. You can download the form here - please return by post, fax or email.

Please note that if you are raising an issue on behalf of someone else, then you will need to have thier express written permission (unless you are a legal parent or guardian of a child who is a minor).