WITH the Parliamentary session finishing last week we eagerly await the Queen’s Speech and the new session beginning on May 8.

The extra constituency time allows me to work on various policy matters. I met with Macmillan Cancer Research to discuss issues around commissioning of services which will allow people greater effective choice over where they die.

On Friday, I visited Porton to hear about the pioneering work of Kalvista Pharmaceuticals Ltd, which is working with Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) to seek solutions for some of the worst aspects of Type 1 diabetes.

I will be following up on my support for this cause by participating in JDRF’s charity spinning event on May 11 in the Market Place.

On Saturday morning I visited Wilton to join more than 90 local residents at Michael Herbert Hall in a discussion about the next stage for the former Erskine Barracks site.

The successful bid by the Wilton Community Land Trust (CLT) – in co-operation with Redrow and Our Enterprise – gives new opportunities for the town. The hard work now begins as the CLT seeks to incorporate the principle of sustainability into the design of the new development. I also visited the excellent Salisbury Green Fair at the Quaker Meeting House.

This week the world of politics has been dominated by speculation over the outcomes of the local elections and what it will mean for the party leaders nationally.

Over the last three years I have worked with some excellent and committed public servants and whatever the decisions of the Salisbury electorate on Thursday I would like to thank the outgoing councillors, both at parish and unitary levels, for their hard work.

I know how frustrating the political process can be, especially at a time of austerity where money is not available to do many of the things we would like. I think we have been fortunate to have so many prepared to give up time to local government – from all parties – to improve our local community.