From campaigns to improve public transport access to hosting competitions with local schools, Gagan Mohindra, MP for South West Hertfordshire, reflects on his highlights from 2025 and looks ahead to the exciting plans he has in store for 2026.
- What have you learned from 2025 that you’re bringing into 2026?
My biggest takeaway from this year has to be the importance of being a good local MP. I’ve always tried to put constituency issues first, but the last General Election emphasised the importance of this as we managed to retain some contested seats despite a national swing against the Conservative Party.
Talking to my constituents is always incredibly helpful in allowing me to identify the pressing issues for residents in South West Hertfordshire, and I will continue to hold regular surgeries and meetings.
I’ve learnt a lot this year from our transition out of government, and the skills I have gained to be an effective Opposition MP will strengthen my ability to apply pressure to the government. I will also continue to protect our green spaces in South West Hertfordshire, following meetings this year with CBRE and Thames Water.
- What was your biggest highlight of the past year?
Following the success of my annual Debate Competition, it was a pleasure to then launch my Essay Competition, open to secondary school students across the constituency. The opportunity to speak with our younger generation is always helpful in challenging me to think about things differently. It was promising to see such impressive academic ability from all the pupils. I really enjoyed reading all the submissions and am looking forward to doing the same in the new year!
- Come the end of this year, what will you hope to have achieved?
Over the course of this year, I have been working hard on several local campaigns. Following my Transport for London survey in May, it is evident that my constituents aren’t satisfied with the standard of these essential services. I’ll continue to push to improve disability access across Tube stations and fight for equal concessions for residents of South West Hertfordshire. Alongside this, I’ll continue to work closely with local councillors Ian Campbell and Vicky Edwards for a banking hub in Abbots Langley to increase accessibility to banking services.
- What are you most excited about going into the new year?
One of my highlights from this year was my summer work experience tour, where I had the privilege of visiting a range of local businesses and getting involved in their daily operations such as Sweet as a Button and Rickmansworth Waterways Trust. Coming from a small family business background, it’s a personal mission of mine to support our high streets. I always enjoy the opportunity be directly involved in our community over summer recess, and look forward to supporting our local businesses now, when it matters most.
- What do you anticipate will be your biggest challenge?
My biggest challenge will be local government reorganisation. While this is a decision for local councils to act on, as a member of the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee, I am resolved to holding the local councils to account and ensure as little disruption as possible.
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