Justin Tomlinson MP is enthusiastic about the year ahead

It’s been an ‘interesting’ year for North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson.

He’s moved office, been re-shuffled from his ministerial position and is having to come to terms with being officially ‘middle aged’.

But the former nightclub manager, who celebrated his 40th birthday last month, is brimming with unbridled enthusiasm for the challenges ahead.

Speaking from his constituency office at the Customer Service Hub in the Orbital Shopping Park, he admitted that he was disappointed to be replaced as Disabilities Minister, following a 14-month stint,

But it is clear that this recent setback has done little to dampen his passion for representing his constituency.

“I can’t believe how lucky I am. I’m immensely proud to represent the local community.

“If I was given the opportunity to take on a ministerial post again I would obviously jump at the chance, and in her letter to me, Theresa May didn’t rule anything out. I was lucky to have been given the opportunity because there are so many people out there in the ‘running pack’ who don’t get offered the chance.

“The way I see it, there are three types of ex-minister, those who resign themselves to never being part of the ministerial team again, those who have a big sulk and devote themselves to attacking the government or those who understand that being given a ministerial position is not a right, it’s a privilege. I understand the decision that she had to make, because there are so many other good people out there who are able to fill these posts.”

He explained that working as a constituency MP has lost none of its appeal in the 16 years that he has served the community as councillor and MP.

“I’m a genuine local resident and I take great pride in the way that I can use my position to help bring together different community groups and organisations to help get things done. I see my role as a facilitator, which is where I can be most valuable.”

This year, Justin has relocated his constituency office from its former Milton Road base to a new home at the Hub in the Swindon Orbital Park.

“This is a great location, much more accessible than the Milton Road office. My constituents here in North Swindon are quite a transient group. We have a lot of renters who are here for a relatively short time and then move on. So this office acts as a valuable focal point for people and organisations.”

He explained that the new space is being made available, free of charge, to a wide range of community groups. The new office will host public meetings on local issues, policy forums where residents can share their views as well as drop in events to provide useful information.

Recently, the office has been used by the local Samaritans group to undertake their volunteer training, the North Swindon jobs fair and a venue for Macmillan Cancer Support’s annual coffee morning.

Any community groups that would like to make use of the community office can contact Justin’s team on 01793 533393 or email [email protected]