I am halfway through signing my first “official” Christmas card – featuring wonderful artwork from children at Netheravon Primary School – and it is a good moment to take stock of my first few months in Parliament.

It is a great privilege to serve the people of the Devizes constituency in Westminster and to stand up for the things I believe in, whether it is sorting out the economic mess we were left; giving more support to our Armed Forces and their families or improving the services available to people living in rural towns and villages.

It is also wonderful to work with people who volunteer selflessly for local causes – like the team behind the excellent Larkhill Christmas Fair held last week to benefit the play park and Help for Heroes. But it would be false to pretend that the job is without its drawbacks. No one goes into politics to vote for cuts in services to their constituents and it is clear from the protests in London over the last few weeks just how difficult these decisions are (although the student protestors would have had considerably more credibility in my opinion if they had avoided defacing the Cenotaph and Churchill’s statue and setting light to the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree, which is an annual gift from a grateful Norwegian nation). I have put some of the facts and figures behind the tuition fee changes on my website www.claireperry.org.uk for those interested.

As I return, wrist aching, to the task of signing another 400 cards I would like to wish all of my constituents a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.

I am proud to be your MP and if I can help you with anything in 2011 or you would like an appointment at one of my regular advice sessions then please don’t hesitate to get in touch on 01672 519198.