FOLLOWING Theresa May’s appointment as our new Prime Minister, I am delighted to have accepted a new position in her government at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. Thank you to everyone who has sent their warm wishes following my promotion.

Following Britain’s vote to leave the European Union, the Department has a crucial role in making sure we have a robust and dynamic industrial strategy, as well in supporting new and existing businesses and our energy sector.

It is an honour to work on such important issues and I will do my very best to serve the government, and the country, in that role.

My work in Stourbridge will continue as normal, of course. I have had a number of important local meetings, most notably on the development of Colley Gate. On Friday, July 8, I met with the parties that are involved, including representatives from the council, developers and residents. It was a productive meeting, and I do believe plans for the site are progressing well. I am continuing to monitor progress closely and will attend another meeting in September.

It was Black Country Day last Thursday – now in its fifth year. My colleague Ian Austin MP organised a brilliant event in the House of Commons featuring the best of the Black Country – from Bugatti to beer. Our region has so much to offer this country, and this event really showed that it has a bright future. Looking to the summer in Stourbridge, Mary Stevens Park is hosting a number of great sounding events, including a Love Stourbridge family day on Saturday, July 23, from 11-6pm. The newly refurbished park is beautiful and I cannot recommend it enough.

As ever, should you wish to get in touch with me, you can call my office on 01384 370 574, or e-mail me at mar got.james.mp@parliament.uk. You can also write to me at my constituency address, 1a Worcester Street, Stourbridge, DY8 1AH. Please also sign up to my regular newsletter at www.margot james.com/subscribe for more about what I am doing to represent you here and in Westminster.