David Crausby

David Crausby MP
Annual Report 2005

The year 2005 saw the Labour Party elected to Government for a third term and I was returned as the Labour MP for Bolton North East. The election campaign was difficult and I would like to thank everyone who worked tirelessly throughout the campaign because without such dedication and commitment Labour would not have secured a third term of office.

There can be little doubt that the only party fit for government is Labour but forthcoming legislation is the concern of many Labour Party members. Controversial plans for the introduction of ID cards, the Incapacity Benefit Bill and of course the much-debated Education White Paper. Many MPs including myself have serious concerns about the proposed schools reforms. A background in local government is widespread amongst backbench MPs opposed to the reforms and the Prime Minister and others would be wise to make the necessary changes and address their concerns if the Government is to avoid an embarrassing defeat on this issue.

In the not too distant future we will of course be thrown into the process of choosing a new Labour Party leader. In this centenary year of the election of the first Labour MPs we need to remember our roots, listen to the voice of the active Labour membership in order to overcome any differences we have and work together for the common good.

For my own part it has been an extremely busy year especially concerning my responsibilities on the Defence Select Committee. I am the Vice Chair of the Select Committee and this has inevitably increased my workload and involvement in the Committee. We are currently engaged in a report on the recently published Defence Industrial Strategy and we will be engaged throughout the whole parliament on a comprehensive study into our Nuclear Deterrent.

Here in Bolton we have moved just a few doors to a new office at 580 Blackburn Road but our telephone and fax numbers remain the same. My caseload continues to deal with a steady stream of problems including immigration, benefits, CSA and local authority matters. I continue to receive letters from constituents across the entire political spectrum on a wide variety of issues. My regular surgeries are held in Bolton Town Hall on the second Friday of each month and, when able, I meet constituents in my Blackburn Road Constituency office.

Representing Bolton North East as your Member of Parliament has not always been easy but it has always been worthwhile and rewarding. I very much look forward to continuing my efforts, serving the community, campaigning and working towards a fourth term Labour Government.

David Crausby MP.