Figures released this week by BBC London show that Greg Hands meets more constituents at his surgeries than any other Conservative MP. Around 1,000 local people are seen each year at his weekly constituency surgeries.
Although MPs with so-called “safe seats” are sometimes accused of doing less work in their constituencies, this clearly doesn’t apply to the Chelsea & Fulham MP. He comes out on top for constituency work, despite having the largest percentage majority of any Conservative MP in London.
Asked why, Mr Hands said: “I really value the weekly, face-to-face contact with local people. It’s all too easy for MPs to become trapped in the Westminster bubble. Surgeries are the best way to grasp the problems that exist and, often, to be able to help.”
He has held surgeries at numerous venues since he was first elected in 2005. Some are even held in meeting rooms at Peter Jones, the famous department store in Sloane Square. Eager to maintain contact with his voters, he also sends out a weekly email bulletin, which has just had its 351st edition.
And it seems there is no shortage of demand. As Mr Hands says: “Any constituent who is struggling with a particular problem to do with public services can make an appointment. I also take up casework in relation to private sector companies and operators.
“Whatever the problem, my mission is to solve it, or, at the very least, to get my constituent an answer. I became a Government Minister last year, but I’ve continued to keep up my weekly surgeries. I look forward to holding many more.”
More information on Greg Hands MP’s surgeries is available here or by ringing 020 7219 5448.