It felt particularly fitting to hold it there, during an exhibition of Sir Peter Cook’s work.
Cook began his career here in Bournemouth, and used his skills, energy and passion to give something back — designing AUB’s historic Drawing Studio and Innovation Centre.
His legacy is a reminder that when people are inspired by this place, remarkable things can happen. That same spirit drives everything I do.
Because it is the tens of thousands of people I have spoken to who drive the change we all want to see.
Since my election, my priorities have come from you and have formed the basis of my work in Parliament on your behalf.
We’ve made real progress: a Town Centre Citizens’ Panel that centred residents’ voices in plans for our town’s future.
Eleven new police officers in the town centre.
Eleven new GPs and investment to reopen Winton Health Centre on Alma Road.
Wessex Water bosses banned from bonuses because of their polluting behaviour.
And new rights for the 15,000 renters and thousands of leaseholders in the area.
We are far from done. There are still too many empty shops on our high streets.
Shoplifting isn’t taken seriously enough, and I know people still can’t get a GP or NHS dentist when they need one. Like you, I want things to be better.
I also wanted to make sure these were still the right priorities.
So in December I hosted eight community events, sent surveys to 45,000 households across the constituency, and received hundreds of emails about the issues you care about most.
A wide range of issues were raised — from potholes to SEND and immigration — but revitalising Bournemouth town centre and tackling crime and anti-social behaviour topped the list.
This was paired with real frustration about the pace of change, including a lack of action from the Council, and genuine concern about cost of living pressures facing families and individuals.
Underpinning all of these responses, one thing was clear: people want to feel proud, safe and connected in the place they call home.
These responses have shaped my work since the start of the year and will guide it into the future.
I will continue working with residents, the Council, and local businesses and community organisations to deliver the Town Centre Action Plan — creating a town centre we can all be proud of, feel safe in, and want to spend time in.
Our £20m Pride in Place funding for West Howe will help build a more vibrant, safe and connected community in the north of the constituency.
And throughout the year I will maintain a particular focus on women’s safety in all our neighbourhoods.
Your feedback is vital to everything I do. Thank you to everyone who attended an event, filled out a survey, or got in touch. I hope you see your priorities reflected in my work.