Lola McEvoy MP: Why 2025 will be the best year yet for Darlington

It’s been a joy getting to know so many of you since becoming Darlington’s MP. Growing up here, I already knew this town was full of brilliant people, but spending more time with you –whether through emails, events, business visits, or doorstep chats – has underlined just how special our community is.

I know the past few years haven’t been easy. The election reflected how fed up people are – there’s a real sense that nothing works anymore.

I and the hundreds of Labour MPs elected in July knew the task ahead was huge. Dealing with the mess has been at times frustrating, and we’ve had to make tough decisions, but we must remember that changing the country after 14 years of neglect won’t happen overnight.

Arriving in Westminster with so many new MPs now feels like a blur. The place is like Hogwarts –exciting but disorienting. That led to an embarrassing moment when I accidentally sat in the Chief Whip’s seat during an introductory dinner. As the enforcer of party discipline, the Chief Whip is not someone you want to cross, especially in your first week!

While my sharp elbows may get me into bother on occasion, I believe they’re also a strength. I’m passionate about being your MP because it gives me the chance to hear your hopes and frustrations and make sure Westminster pays attention. I’m not one to sit on the sidelines and point out problems – I’ll act on them. And the more you share your stories with me, the better I can represent you in Parliament.

For example, during the campaign, many parents told me how worried they were about what their children were seeing online. They felt unsupported and thought politicians didn’t take the issue seriously. So, in my first months, I brought together pupils and teachers from every secondary school in our town to hear their views. I then led a national debate in Westminster Hall, using what I learned to push for improvements to the Online Safety Act. I’ll keep fighting on this – using Darlington’s children’s voices to demand action for all young people.

Similarly, over 100 residents told me about unfair fines from parking operators in the town – a problem affecting people nationwide. I worked with other MPs to bring this issue to the Government’s attention. By joining forces, we have a much better chance of tackling problems like this and making a real difference for our communities.

While it’s vital that your MP takes your concerns to the seat of power in Westminster, it’s also fantastic to see the national Government putting the North East at the heart of its plans for the future. We’re already seeing exciting green shoots of progress right here at home.

Teesside recently secured the UK’s first carbon capture and storage projects, creating 2,000 jobs and safeguarding thousands more. And thanks to the hard work of the region’s politicians, Ministers, staff, the union and senior management – plus a brilliant campaign from this newspaper – the Hitachi plant in Newton Aycliffe was saved, preserving hundreds of skilled jobs.

These successes show the potential of our region when we work with businesses and attract the investment we’ve been missing for too long. As the country’s historic industrial heartland, I truly believe we can build a future for the North East as proud as our past.

There’s more to come, and my goal is to ensure everyone in Darlington really feels the benefit in the years ahead.

Here’s to renewed hope for the future. Happy New Year to all of you.