Ask Ben
If you would like to ask Ben a question, please fill in your details below.
Question: What have you done/been a part of since becoming an MP which you are most proud of?
Answer: The minimum wage has been a huge boost to our region. Pushing renewable energy will also bring big benefits to the South West and is more important than ever with the high oil price.
Question: What made you want to go into politics?
Answer: I wanted to make a difference. After 18 years of Tory rule too many people were being held back from fulfilling their potential and our public services were on their knees. We don’t claim enough credit for the huge improvements we’ve seen of the last 11 years.
Question: In your opinion what makes a good MP?
Answer: You have to be a good listener, be prepared to put in very long hours and accept you are rarely, if ever, off duty. You also have to be prepared to defend decisions that may not be popular – including with your own Party members!
Question: What are the greatest achievements of this Labour Government in relation to the SW?
Answer: Running a strong economy, the minimum wage and tax credits have been a vital boost to the South West. Securing objective 1 status for Cornwall has transformed Cornwall’s prospects. Increasing social housing provision and our environmental legislation have also been of particular benefit to our region.
Question: Looking ahead what do you think the main challenges the Labour Party in the South West faces?
Answer: Motivating members for any Party after 11 years in Government is hard. But retaining and strengthening our presence in the region is vital for the future of the Labour Government and Labour at local level. We need to fight hard to defend the parliamentary and local council seats we hold and rebuild from there into those parts of the region where Labour voices are not heard.
Question: What does the job ‘Minister for South West’ entail?
Answer: Trying to be a voice for the South West in Government and voice for the Government in the South West. If there are major issues affecting the South West or areas where the Government is not working in a joined up way for the region, the role can help add value and resolve issues.
Question: If you weren’t an MP what would you be doing?
Answer: I have no idea! Rediscovering my friends and family, going to the theatre and reading novels again? In terms of work, I’ll face that if and when I come to it.
