Stephen Morgan MP, who was appointed to a Shadow Ministerial position within the Communities and Local Government team earlier this week, has made his agenda clear by sending an open letter to all council officers.
The letter expressed gratitude to the local authority workers, explicitly thanking them for their often-unrecognised services to the nation.
Mr Morgan said:
“Council workers are the unsung heroes who keep our communities safe.
From making sure the food we eat in restaurants is acceptable to keeping our neighbourhoods clean and maintained – their often-invisible work is the lifeblood of our nation.
I wanted to ensure that in my first move as Shadow Minister, I send out a clear message that their vital work is appreciated.”
Mr Morgan, who prior to becoming an MP spent 15 years working in local Government, cited his experience in play and leisure, community involvement, strategy and performance and other departments as his motivation for sending out the letter.
The Portsmouth South MP said:
“When I was first elected, I asked a council manager what advice he could give. His answer was plain and simple. Take notice of the vital work conducted by council officers.
With less money, less resources and more responsibility, councils across our great nation continue to deliver the much-needed services, day in, day out from cradle to grave.
Without this vital cohesive element, our communities would fall apart. It is an understatement to say that they are the glue that holds society together.”
Mr Morgan’s first act as Shadow Minister is an indication of where his priorities lie and demonstrates his commitment to ensuring that recognition is given to those who work at local authority level. While the letter expressed gratitude, it also included pledges upheld by his party.
Mr Morgan pledged:
“From Portsmouth to Penrith, up and down our country, council officers keep our communities running.
In this new role, I will work hard to give more money, more power and more support to councils across the country. “
Mr Morgan joins the Communities and Local Government team headed by Shadow Secretary Andrew Gwynne MP where he will work alongside Shadow Minister for Devolution and Finance, Jim McMahon and Shadow Minister for Planning Roberta Blackman-Woods.
