This year was a strong one for the Liberal Democrats, as they gained 64 seats in the General Election in July. Daisy Cooper MP has proved she is still a firm favourite in the St Albans constituency, having now served as the area’s MP since 2019. Here, the MP reflects on the last 12 months.
What have you learned from 2024 that you’re bringing into 2025?
To keep a laser-like focus on the things that matter most to local people: campaigning to ensure they can see a GP or dentist, get a good education for their children, are supported with the cost-of-living, and can enjoy a healthy local environment.
That’s why I stood for re-election on a platform of fixing our local health and social care services, tackling the cost-of-living crisis, and protecting our precious River Ver and other chalk streams from sewage dumping. This is the mandate I’ve been given by the people of St Albans and I intend to honour it in 2025.
What was your biggest highlight of the past year?
Being re-elected as the MP for St Albans! It’s such an honour and I’ve never taken a single vote for granted. Some other moments stand out too, though.
First, winning local campaigns to expand the intake at Beaumont School permanently, and securing a commitment from Hertfordshire County Council to buy the building that will enable Muriel Green Nursery to remain open.
Second, the night before the General Election was called, I was crowned Pub Parliamentarian of the Year. I won this award for my campaigning for fairer energy prices for pubs, restaurants, and hospitality businesses.
Third, photobombing the Prime Minister! They say timing is everything in politics, so I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to top that.
Come the end of this year, what will you hope to have achieved?
As well as being the local MP for St Albans, I’m also my party’s treasury spokesperson. This provides a fantastic opportunity to put local issues firmly on the national agenda. I’ve always strived to be a champion of small businesses and high streets, but in my new role, I’ve been leading my party’s response to the Budget. This has put me in a stronger position to raise their concerns, influence the debate and amend legislation, in a way that’ll help local health and care providers, and small businesses generally.
What are you most excited about going into the new year?
Now that the Liberal Democrats are considerably bigger with 72 MPs, we can really make our presence felt in Parliament. Already, we’ve secured some ‘wins’ from the government. They have made a commitment to review the Carer’s Allowance Overpayment penalties scandal, and increased the Carer’s Allowance threshold so people can work more hours before losing their allowance, giving them a boost to get into and stay in the workforce. These wouldn’t have happened without our campaigning, so I hope we secure more of these ‘wins’ for our constituents in 2025.
What do you anticipate will be your biggest challenge?
The biggest challenge will be making sure the government listens to local concerns when making national decisions affecting our local area. We are waiting for them to decide on quarrying in Smallford and Luton Airport expansion, as well as whether to rebuild Watford General Hospital. As they make these decisions, I’ll continue to be a strong voice for our area.
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