'CHANGE is just beginning in Hexham', according to the constituency's MP.

Hexham MP Joe Morris shared an update on what he achieved this week in his weekly column.

Mr Morris said: "Parliament reconvenes next week after a short recess for the party conference season. And after a fantastic week in Liverpool for the Labour Party Conference, hearing all about the Government’s plans for change, I’m ready to return to Parliament to fight for the Hexham constituency.

"I will be continuing to focus on ensuring that issues that matter locally are heard on the national stage. As such, I will be participating in several questions to Government next week, including on Energy Security and Net Zero, and Women and Equalities, helping to hold the Government accountable on crucial issues affecting our constituency."

READ MORE: Rise in demand for warm welcome sessions at community centre

"While I head down to London to fight for our area in Parliament, I do so armed with fresh ideas and perspectives from the advice surgeries I have held and the constituents I have met with, and I am looking forward to returning to Parliament and having the chance to push for real change for the Hexham constituency.

"Change that has not been on display at the Conservative Party Conference this week. I have been disappointed to see the Conservative Party conference dominated by internal divisions, and the frontrunner, Kemi Badenoch, question the validity of maternity pay and attacked the minimum wage.

"Another leadership front runner, the former Secretary of State for Housing, Robert Jenrick, fast-tracked the approval of a Tory donor's housing development to avoid community infrastructure level liabilities worth £45 million. This decision was later ruled unlawful by the High Court.

"While the Conservative party nationally may have chosen to focus inwardly, and make their leadership contest about wild sweeping statements rather than scrutiny of policy, I head down to London focused on serving all of my constituents, regardless of how they voted.

"Over the weekend, I had the chance to attend the Hexham Climate Café on Saturday in Hexham Library and to hear from constituents about their concerns on the urgent nature of the climate crisis, and how we need to ensure we have a planet to pass on to future generations that is liveable. It was climate change and animal welfare that first brought me into politics and meeting with local people concerned about climate change is always an immense privilege.

"I also want to pay tribute to Hexham Farmer’s Market after it celebrated its 25th anniversary this weekend. It was a real honour to draw the raffle and celebrate an event that has been taking place since I was at the Sele School.

"On Monday, I addressed the Hexham Rotary Club on my plans for the constituency. I want to thank everyone there who took the time to speak with me and ask me questions. Engaging with local groups is always a privilege and I look forward to having the chance to speak to many more.

"I also met with constituents who remain concerned about the lack of banking access across the constituency. Having already raised the issue in Parliament, this is something that I will continue to take up with Ministers and I have written to the chair of LINK, urging him to take action.

"On Wednesday, I paid a visit to Adapt Tynedale, a local charity focusing on improving the quality of life of disabled people by offering transport provisions, advocacy services, wheelchair loans and providing Living Well and Social Prescribing services in West Northumberland and Ponteland.

"This Thursday, I am visiting the northeast of the constituency with a planned visit to Longhorsley St Helen’s First School to thank the children who kindly wrote to me after the election and host a politics Q&A with the older pupils.

"This will be followed by a visit to a farm to discuss agricultural policy and the effect Conservative initiatives have had on our farming communities. I also plan to meet with English Heritage at Belsay Hall to discuss their conservation and charitable work at sites across the constituency.

"This Friday I am holding my third advice surgery, this time in Haltwhistle, and am eager to meet more constituents and discuss the issues affecting them and their families. Hexham deserves real change, and that change is just beginning."