Poole's Labour MP vows to do 'whatever he can' for town

Neil Duncan-Jordan used his maiden parliamentary speech to “wax lyrical about how beautiful” the town is, referring to Branksome Chine and Sandbanks. 

He added: “Poole Park is a superb example of Victorian municipal pride, winning awards for its well managed green spaces, which are much needed in today’s busy world.  

“The park borders Poole’s magnificent harbour. The harbour area has been inhabited since the iron age. It became a major trading centre with Newfoundland in the 16th century, and by the 19th century nine out of 10 workers were involved in some kind of harbour activity.  

“We even had the odd pirate.” 

Neil Duncan-Jordan with his team on election night (Image: Richard Crease)

Mr Duncan-Jordan narrowly defeated his Conservative rival by just 18 votes – the second smallest win in the country. 

He thanked Sir Robert Syms for his work since being elected in 1997 and help in settling into parliamentary life. 

“I would also like to express my thanks to my predecessor, Sir Robert Syms,” he said. 

“He and I share a pride in representing the constituency of Poole. He served the House and his local residents for 27 years.  

“Even in defeat, he was generous enough to offer me his assistance in acclimatising to parliamentary life, and for that I am very grateful.  

“I also owe him an apology. After an exhausting three recounts, which lasted until 11 o’clock on the morning of 5 July, I forgot to thank him properly for his service.  

“I hope I can rectify that today and wish him well for the future.” 

Former MP for Poole Sir Robert Syms (Image: Richard Crease)

Mr Duncan-Jordan added: “It is important for Members to understand that not everyone in Poole is a multimillionaire.  

“Although the most expensive land in the country, known as Sandbanks, might be home to footballers and celebrities, nearly 7,000 residents in Poole struggle to cover essential costs from their monthly income, according to Citizens Advice.  

“One in three of those are in work. In Poole, like the rest of the country, that got worse during the years of austerity and then the cost of living crisis. 

“That is why I want to pay tribute today to people such as Mel Meadowcroft and her team of volunteers, whom I have had the pleasure of meeting, who run the community food store in St Gabriel’s church in Hamworthy.  

“It offers local families a chance to buy the things they need at very low cost but, importantly, in a way that retains their dignity. Without that work, many more families would be in severe financial difficulty.”