Mims Davies MP took questions from Uckfield residents at the Highlands Inn, after meeting Age UK's chief executive about the Glen Vue closure. What she said.

Mims Davies, MP for East Grinstead and Uckfield and Shadow Secretary of State for Wales, held a “Political Bites” evening for residents at the Highlands Inn in Uckfield after returning from her party’s conference, and says she came to it straight from meetings about the closure of Glen Vue.

Her office described it as an informal evening at which people could put questions to their MP in person and talk about the priorities for Uckfield and the wider constituency. Local councillors were there as well as residents, and Ms Davies thanked the Highlands Inn for hosting.

Glen Vue

The closure of Glen Vue was the first thing Ms Davies mentioned. She said she had met the chief executive of Age UK and Cllr Jacquie Russell about it before the evening:

“It was lovely to be back in our brilliant constituency after Conference and immediately join residents after meetings including with the CEO of AGEUK and Cllr Jacquie Russell on the closure of Glen Vue, which I know is of concern to many residents.”

Her office’s account of the evening did not say what was agreed at those meetings or what happens next.

Conference and ‘The Right Way’

Most of what Ms Davies told the room was about her party’s conference. On who turned up, she said:

“One of the most encouraging things I shared about Conference, was seeing so many young people getting involved. There were 50% more young people attending this year, which was fantastic to see! It was brilliant to meet so many of them, hear their ideas, see their enthusiasm for politics and for the future, and of course show off my skills DJing!”

The 50% figure is hers; her office gave no source for it.

She also talked residents through The Right Way, the document she is holding in the photograph above:

“We also talked about the newly published ‘The Right Way’ document, which sets out the principles that Kemi Badenoch believes should underpin a future Conservative government. Focussing on the importance of creating wealth, freedom and responsibility, consequences for breaking rules, effective government and being clear about where the state should - and shouldn’t - intervene.”

Why she holds them

“For me, one of the most valuable parts of Conference is exactly what we did tonight - coming back to our communities, listening to residents, discussing the ideas that came out of Conference and having those open conversations and views from the residents I represent. Thank you to everyone who came along this evening. It was lovely to see so many familiar faces, meet new people, and continue the conversation.”

What it means for you

If you live in the East Grinstead and Uckfield constituency and want to raise something with your MP, including Glen Vue, her contact details and newsletter sign-up are on mimsdavies.org.uk. Her office has not published a date for the next Political Bites evening.

Have a community story from Uckfield or Crowborough? Send us your news.