Kate writes a bi-weekly column for the Uttoxeter Echo. This column was originally featured in the paper's final edition on 5th July 2023.
It is the greatest privilege to serve both the towns of Burton and Uttoxeter in Parliament but historically, only Burton has been included in the official name of the constituency. Last week, I am pleased to say this was corrected when the Boundary Commission published its final proposals for the new parliamentary constituencies, agreeing to my proposals to include Uttoxeter in the official name of the parliamentary seat.
This is something I have been calling for from the beginning of the review process and I know it’s a cause residents of Uttoxeter backed, writing into the Boundary Commission to support the change. Thank you to all those that did, helping to achieve this success and ensuring, come the next General Election, Uttoxeter is rightly included in the constituency name.
On another note, I was sad to read last week that this edition of the Uttoxeter Echo will be its last. Local and regional newspapers are vital pillars of communities and local democracy. They play an essential role in holding power to account, keeping the public informed of local issues and providing reliable, high-quality information.
The Uttoxeter Echo has been keeping our community informed since 1896. With almost four and half thousand editions under their belt, the Uttoxeter Echo has served many generations, keeping us informed locally, and seen some of the most important occasions in our town’s and country’s history.
I want to pay tribute to Editor, Paul Campbell; News Editor, Belinda Hargreaves; Junior Reporter, Emily Harris and the whole team at the Echo and its sister publications. Bringing the news to local residents each week, isn’t just a job for you but a duty, and I know for many residents reading your articles it would have been something they have looked forward to each Wednesday. Thank you also to the loyal readers of the Echo who have supported this newspaper for many years and appreciated the value of local journalism.
Residents can continue to keep up to date on my work through my website, email newsletter and social media channels. I will also have a summer leaflet that I will begin to distribute shortly to ensure that those not online are also able to stay informed.
