Bournemouth West's first ever Labour, first ever female MP - Jessica Toale - has given her maiden speech in Parliament.
"Three out of four voters in this year’s election voted for change," explained Jessica in her speech in the House of Commons . "While they didn’t all vote for me - delivering this change is a responsibility I embrace."
Jessica went on to pay tribute to her Conservative predecessor Sir Conor Burns and his work. "He served the constituency for 14 years," she said, "making it his home following his election in 2010. And while our views may differ, our role to give Bournemouth West a voice in Parliament is a shared one. I want to thank the great people of Bournemouth West for giving me the opportunity - as part of a Labour government - to do so."
The speech, which began at 2.19pm on Thursday 17 October 2024, was inspired by many people in Bournemouth West who Jessica has met and spoken with in the run up to, and since, her historic election on 5 July 2024. Bournemouth - a special place
Jessica spoke passionately about what Bournemouth means to her and what led her to stand for Bournemouth West, saying: "I was born in the UK but grew up overseas. Throughout this, Bournemouth was always a constant. My family lives in the area. I spent most of my summers there, gaining much needed teenage freedom being able to spend time at the beach, explore the town and gardens with my friends. It is a town that has always held a special place in my heart. She went on to outline the great things about the town, from the obvious - the stunning natural environment and nationally-renowned hospitality and tourism; to the sometimes lesser known elements - innovative and creative projects and events and world-leading graphic effects and growing tech industry.
And she highlighted some challenges in Bournemouth West, including inequality of opportunity for young people living in different neighbourhoods, knife crime and antisocial behaviour, a lack of NHS dentists and sewage discharges into our seas and rivers.
Hope and a shared future
"I am hopeful about the future," said Jessica "Because of the collective spirit I see every day in the Bournemouth West. People like Fran and Jessie at the Henry Brown Centre and Kerry and the team at Bourne Community Hub, who have been working against the odds to build community and transform the lives of residents in West Howe and Alderney. Community and resident groups coming together to protect our heathlands and coastline. The many local businesses setting up in our town centre and local high streets, injecting new life, reviving heritage buildings, giving back to their communities."
Signing off her maiden speech, Jessica said: "I look forward to working with the brilliant people of Bournemouth West and our mission-led government to build the shared future and reignite a sense of hope - not only for our special seaside town but for the whole country as well."
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