News and Updates
Charlotte and Luke reveal five Plymouth tests for Labour Leader
Luke Pollard, the recently re-elected Labour MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, and Charlotte...
Why I’ll be a different type of MP for Plymouth Moor View
People here have told me they are fed up of having an absent Conservative MP who is not open and...
A manifesto full of practical, popular polices that will bring about real change for people in Plymouth
People I speak to from St Budeaux to Southway, from Ernesettle to Eggbuckland, from West Park to...
Plymouth Moor View has highest insolvency rate in the country – a vote for Labour can change that
It saddens me to say that according to the government’s own figures, Plymouth Moor View has the...
Charlotte says it’s time for safe standing and fans on club boards
Charlotte is in this month's edition of The Grass is Greener, the fanzine of the Argyle Fans'...
Charlotte talks to the Observer on the campaign trail in Plymouth
I'm in today's Observer after showing them what real life is like in the community where I live in...
Charlotte signs pledge to address antisemitism
Charlotte is pleased to sign this election pledge from the Antisemitism Policy Trust which is...
Charlotte gets veterans support in her campaign to support the forces and their families
Following attending a moving ceremony on Plymouth Hoe for Remembrance Sunday, Charlotte is pleased...
IVF services at Derriford Hospital to be privatised
Commenting on the announcement that IVF services at Derriford are being re-tendered and only...
Plymouth must become national centre for marine autonomy, says Charlotte
I was invited by aerospace and defence company Thales UK to visit their Plymouth centre on Friday,...
Charlotte welcomes parliamentary committee calls for free TV licences to be restored
I'm very pleased to see the DCMS Select Committee calling for saving free TV licences for over-75s...
Don’t be duped – the undemocratic actions of this Tory Government have nothing to do with helping you or me
Shutting down Parliament to push through a catastrophic no-deal Brexit is a serious affront to our...
Plymouth veterans hit by TV licences’ curb as Tories break election pledge
People will know I've been campaigning against the Tories decision to break their 2017 election...
Defending Asda Workers in Estover Against Unfair Contracts
Asda needs to think again over forced contract changes that will see their staff, including staff...
Charlotte speaks to Plymouth Citybus CEO
Today I visited the Plymouth Citybus HQ and met with CEO Richard Stevens. I was pleased to discuss...
Boris Johnson is no friend to Plymouth
Boris Johnson, the new Conservative Prime Minister, is no friend to Plymouth. He is out of touch,...
Palmerston Heights developer revealed as UK’s worst housebuilder
I was shocked to see the revelations about Persimmon Homes in the Channel 4 Dispatches programme...
Council gets behind Charlotte’s campaign to save free TV licences for Plymouth pensioners
Plymouth pensioners were given a boost today as Plymouth City Council announced it was supporting...
Charlotte supports Plymouth Breastfeeding Celebration Week
This week is Breastfeeding Celebration Week, and over the last eight months I’ve loved meeting...
Don’t let your Tory MP break his promise to janner grannies
During the 2017 general election Johnny Mercer stood on a manifesto which promised to keep free TV...
Big win as Labour will restore lost bus services
Today we've seen a major announcement from the Labour Party which is a big win for communities...
Charlotte backs scrapping SATs testing for primary school children
I'm absolutely delighted that the Labour Party has announced its intention to scrap SATS tests for...
Charlotte meets with food poverty charity
It was great to meet Ayshea from Provide Devon today and find out about their work helping people...
Charlotte welcomes Shadow Housing Secretary to Plymouth
Today I had a good day welcoming Labour’s Shadow Housing Secretary John Healey MP to Plymouth,...
Government plans on tackling knife crime won’t work
There are plenty of reasons to be angry at this Conservative Government but today’s so-called strategy to tackle a rise in violent crime deserves special mention as it is are nowhere near the serious approach needed by communities.
Mercer changes mind on Prime Minister’s botched Brexit deal
Commenting on news that the Tory MP for Plymouth Moor View has said he will vote for the Prime...
“Promises have been broken”: Charlotte responds to Tory Government U-turn on Plymouth Royal Marines superbase
Read Charlotte’s response to news that the Plymouth Royal Marines superbase plan has been shelved by the Conservative Government.
Charlotte writes to Aviva to challenge Hospital Parking increases
Following news in the Plymouth Herald that NHS workers are facing a substantial increase in parking charges, Charlotte has today written to Gravel Pit parking owners Aviva Investors.
Charlotte celebrates Glenholt Post Office re-opening
Great news! The Glenholt Shop and Post Office is back up and running! Local residents are really...
Charlotte campaigns for future of Plym Bridge Nursery
Today, I talked with parents outside Plym Bridge Nursery about our campaign to ensure the...
Charlotte listens to Plymouth’s Older Generation on the threat to TV Licences
The clock is ticking on the Free TV licence for the over 75s. At the last General Election the...
Charlotte supports other new mums at Southway Community Centre
I had a brilliant time up at Southway Community Centre today popping into their new coffee morning...
Charlotte fights for future of Ham Drive Nursery
Today I was outside Ham Drive nursery - one of two maintained nursery schools in the Plymouth Moor...
Charlotte supports #ReachOut campaign on Mental Health
I'm supporting Plymouth Live's Reach Out campaign launching today, which encourages men to open up...
Charlotte commits to #FizzFreeFeb
Obesity and tooth decay are a real problem in parts of Plymouth. When one-in-three children leave primary school obese or overweight, it’s time to cut out sugary, fizzy drinks.
Police cuts have consequences for Plymouth
In recent years, police numbers have fallen and crime has risen, whilst the Conservative Government has slashed policing budgets in Devon and Cornwall by £63m since 2010.
Forcing our dedicated police officers to do more for less just isn’t working. The number of police officers in our area has fallen with official government figures reporting we now have nearly 600 fewer officers since 2010, and a staggering 21,339 fewer in England in Wales in total.
“Serious and rare”: Charlotte comments on expenses probe into Tory MP
Commenting on today’s findings from IPSA following an expenses probe into Johnny Mercer MP, Charlotte Holloway, Labour and Co-operative Parliamentary Candidate for Plymouth Moor View said:
“The findings of this expenses probe are both serious and rare; Mr Mercer has been found to have broken the rules on claiming public money. His dismissive statement today choses to blames everyone but himself.
Charlotte Supports Cervical Cancer Prevention Week
Charlotte joins Plymouth Gossip Girls and Jo’s Trust in supporting Cervical Cancer Prevention Week this week.
Charlotte calls on Mr Mercer to “stand by his own words” in tonight’s No Confidence vote
Today Labour’s Parliamentary Candidate for Plymouth Moor View has written to Tory MP Mr Mercer, asking him to stand by his own assessments of this woeful Government and vote for the No Confidence motion in Parliament this evening.
Charlotte speaks at Public Meeting on future of the Glenholt Post Office
What a fantastic evening last night at St Anne’s church. Over 120 people came to the public...
Charlotte commits to tackling Period Poverty in Plymouth
We need to talk far far more openly about different types of hidden poverty across our city. It was good to meet with Lynsey from Red Box Project Plymouth to discuss period poverty across Plymouth.
Update on campaign to save Glenholt Post Office + Public Meeting on Monday
The community in Glenholt has rallied round to try to save their Post Office and shop after it had to close suddenly two weeks ago. There is now a public meeting to talk about the future of the shop and Post Office this Monday 14 January at 6.30pm at St Anne’s Church. I’m urging local people to be there.
Charlotte meets with men’s mental health support group
Today I met with the inspiring Paul from Malesallowed. Paul set up a support page for men facing...
Charlotte starts online petition to save Glenholt Post Office
Please sign this petition against the closure of Glenholt Post Office. Many elderly residents and those with mobility issues rely on this Post Office.
It’s key that we put on pressure so that the closure can’t be allowed to stand, and I’ve written to the Chief Executive of the Post Office
Charlotte campaigns to save Glenholt Post Office
This week we had the bad news that Glenholt Post Office and the shop it is located in closed abruptly.
Glenholt residents, particularly older people and those with mobility issues, rely on their local Post Office. I
Read my latest Plymouth Herald column on being a new mum in politics
My latest column in Plymouth Live on being a new mum in politics talks about why it’s not right that Plymouth children don’t get their fair share compared to children in other parts of the country, and why too many people have lost faith that the next generation will do better than the last.
That, and my constant struggle trying not to leave the house covered in baby sick.
Charlotte speaks to ITV News about rip off rail increases
I was on the ITV News yesterday evening talking about the national rail action day as part of the...
Charlotte speaks to ITV News about rip off rail increases
I was on the ITV News yesterday evening talking about the national rail action day as part of the...
Charlotte writes to care company who fine workers £50 for calling in sick
An investigation by the Guardian published today has uncovered evidence of cases in which Newcross Healthcare Solutions has failed to pay its employees if they cancel shifts because of illness without 24 hours’ notice, and has also docked money from their pay. Charlotte Holloway has written to the General Manager of Newcross Health’s Plymouth Office to ask for assurances that Plymouth care workers are not and will not be affected by these fines.
Over 11,500 households with older people in Plymouth could lose free TV licence
A new analysis by the House of Commons Library for the Labour Party has revealed that over 11,000 households in Plymouth are at risk of losing their free TV licences, 7,000 of them with someone aged 80 or over.
Millions of older people across the country are set to lose their TV licence in 2020 despite the Conservatives promising in their 2017 general election manifesto to protect free TV licences until 2022.
Charlotte meets Devon Chamber of Commerce
I want to use my national experience working in the tech industry to support the growth of...
Charlotte backs campaign to reopen Plymouth airport
I am a firm supporter of reopening Plymouth Airport, and last night I attended the Fly Plymouth...
Charlotte visits local foodbank to deliver Labour donation
I had a great time catching up with Hilary, Karen, Denise and the team at the North branch of...
We did it! St Budeaux Community Centre Saved
I am delighted to be able to tell you that St Budeaux Community Centre has been saved from...
Charlotte visits St Budeaux Community Centre as petition to save the centre gathers pace
It was great to attend this morning’s public meeting to save St Budeaux Community Centre alongside...
Good news for Derriford, but more needs to be done
I received some brilliant news today as Derriford Hospital announced that their bid for an...
Save St Budeaux Community Centre
St Budeaux Community Centre is under threat, and I’m backing local St Budeaux Councillor Darren...
Charlotte leads petition on Universal Credit in Plymouth
I have been out in Whitleigh Green this morning, talking to residents about their local issues and collecting signatures for our petition to stop the rollout of Universal Credit.
Charlotte joins her local Crownhill Christmas Light switch on!
I took Izzy out in Crownhill this evening where we joined in the fantastic community spirit for the Christmas light switch on. It great to see so many local traders getting involved and hear the brilliant local choirs from Cann Bridge School and Widey Court Primary School.
Charlotte meets with CEO of Plymouth Citybus
Today I visited the Plymouth Citybus HQ and met with CEO Richard Stevens. I was pleased to discuss a number of issues which regularly appear in my inbox and come up when talking to people on the doorstep, including service availability, smart use of city data and keeping passengers and drivers safe.
Charlotte meets with local business ahead of Small Business Saturday
It was brilliant to meet with Plymouth mumpreneurs Amy and Amanda this morning, the mother-daughter team behind Bebek Boutique. The passion for what they do is infectious!
Nobody voted for a Bad Brexit deal
It’s time to make your mind up, Mr Mercer. My message to our Tory MP on the Brexit deal:
You are yet to tell people here how you plan to vote on Theresa May’s deal with Brussels. Theresa May’s deal doesn’t deliver what people who voted Leave want and it doesn’t deliver for people who voted remain, so why would you vote for it Mr Mercer?
Charlotte backs Respect for Shopworkers Week
Every minute of the working day a shopworker is verbally abused, threatened with violence or physically attacked. I’m pleased to support a great campaign this week from the shopworkers’ union Usdaw, particularly after recent incidents in the last year here in Plymouth.
Charlotte says Thank You to those who served in the First World War
This year is the centenary of the end of the First World War. The Royal British Legion has an important campaign to say ‘Thank You’ to all who served, sacrificed, and changed our world during the First World War.
Charlotte comments on closure of Barden in Estover
Today we’ve seen the announcement of 400 jobs to go at Barden in Plymouth, many of these high value manufacturing jobs, on the Estover Industrial Estate. Read my comment in this Plymouth Live article.
Charlotte speaks to BBC Spotlight about the privatisation of orthopaedic operations at Derriford
Last night I spoke to BBC Spotlight about the ongoing issues of underfunding in our NHS, and how...
Charlotte comments on more privatisation at Derriford Hospital
When it comes to health, profits should never come before people. These orthopaedic procedures are routine operations that people here in Plymouth rely on to improve their quality of life.
Charlotte calls for clarity on TV licences for the over 75s
This week I responded to news that plans are being considered to end universally available TV licences for the over 75s. This would go against a pledge made in the 2017 Conservative Party manifesto which guarantees them for the duration of this parliament.
Tory MP says he wouldn’t vote Tory
This evening our Tory MP Mr Mercer has said he wouldn’t vote for his own party if he wasn’t a politician, and branded his Government a “sh*t show”. A few initial thoughts from me…
This is a dire state of affairs from Mr Mercer. He is openly admitting he no longer believes in the Conservative values he was elected on. This is an MP who has recently taken a second highly paid job, bunks off key committee sessions, and now says he wouldn’t even vote for his own party.
Tory MP votes to cover up impact of Universal Credit on constituents
Our Tory MP Mr Mercer has just voted to cover up the impact that Universal Credit is having on Plymouth families and people who most need support. Government has already admitted that some people will be worse off – and by some, they actually mean millions.
Latest from Charlotte on Universal Credit
There’s going to be a lot of talk about Universal Credit this week – I disagree with our Tory MP Mr Mercer who claims that the biggest challenge about this policy is the “bad press” it’s getting. I say the worst thing about it is that it will harm the everyday livelihoods of the very Plymouth people and families it should set out to help. You don’t make work pay by making working people worse off.
Tory MP doubles salary with double standards
Our Tory MP has more than doubled his salary with double standards. £85,000 is a staggering amount of money for a second job – how can he be fulfilling the duties of an MP who claims that his priorities don’t lie anywhere other than Plymouth?
Labour’s Charlotte Holloway on victory in saving HMS Bulwark and Albion
Commenting on news that HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark are saved from the latest round of defence cuts, Charlotte Holloway, Labour Parliamentary Candidate for Plymouth Moor View said:
“Today is a big news day for Plymouth – I’m delighted that it’s been announced that HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark have been saved from this Tory Government’s proposed cuts.
Charlotte’s view on proposed police force merger
Some people here in Plymouth Moor View have been asking my view in recent weeks on the proposed merger of Devon and Cornwall Police with the Dorset force. My view: now is not the time for a merger that could shift focus away from tackling rising serious and violent crime we’ve had in our communities, and tie up precious resources in merger bureaucracy.
Charlotte backs AgeUK #CareCrisis campaign
I was delighted to back Age UK’s national #carecrisis campaign, which was in Plymouth City Centre today. I got to meet Penny the Piggy Bank who is here raising awareness of the social care crisis which is currently costing the NHS £500 a minute.
Read Charlotte’s latest pregnancy column in Plymouth Herald
Check out my latest column in Plymouth Live on being a new pregnant politician – in which I talk about surviving the recent heatwave and why we need more modern ways of doing things in parliament. That, and ham cravings.
Charlotte responds to difficult CQC report for Derriford Hospital
Today’s report from the CQC on Derriford Hospital outlines a number of serious issues. Our NHS is being chronically underfunded and it’s having a real effect on our hospital. Derriford has serious structural underfunding problems and Plymouth needs more money from Government to address this.
Charlotte continues campaign highlighting impact of police cuts
Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve been out speaking to people in Whitleigh about the recent rise in serious crime and anti-social behaviour.
Mr Mercer misses parliamentary duties to appear on TV show
News that our Tory MP bunked off parliament early has made the national media. I shared your views that people here in Plymouth aren’t impressed that our Conservative MP clocked off early to chase the limelight. To add fuel to the fire, he missed an opportunity to grill the new Health Secretary on growing waiting lists and the primary health care crisis we are facing here in Plymouth. Read my comments in the Daily Mirror.
Charlotte writes to Police Commissioner and Conservative MP on crime rises
Today, Charlotte Holloway, Labour Parliamentary Candidate for Plymouth Moor View, has written to the Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner and our Conservative MP Mr Mercer to ask questions about recent crime increases, raising particular concerns on crimes that disproportionately affect women as well as Public Order Offences.
Charlotte speaks out on high childcare costs in the South West
New figures out today show that here in the South West we are paying twice as much for childcare as other parts of the country.
Thoughts on extending holidays for MPs
A few quick thoughts from me on reports in the press that MPs will be voting on giving themselves an extra five days holiday.
The Conservative Government is in a full flung crisis. This is no time for our MP Mr Mercer to vote himself an early holiday.
Charlotte joins public meeting on crime and anti-social behaviour in Whitleigh
Yesterday I joined residents at a Whitleigh public meeting with police, local councillors and our Tory MP on crime levels. People are rightly concerned and angry at recent serious crime incidents, and a rise in anti social behaviour in Whitleigh and elsewhere across the north of the city.
Charlotte hosts NHS 70th Birthday celebration in Whitleigh
Thank you to everyone who joined our NHS 70th birthday party for cream teas and cake at St Chads in Whitleigh yesterday lunchtime.
Charlotte visits Kawasaki plant in Ernesettle
I had a brilliant afternoon earlier this week with Steve Gerry from Plymouth Manufacturers’ Group & Lee Crocker, Managing Director at Kawasaki, at their site in Ernesettle.
Charlotte visits Derriford Hospital for NHS 70th Birthday
Our National Health Service is The Labour Party’s proudest achievement – providing universal healthcare for all, free at the point of use.
Charlotte visits Ernesettle Community School
I really enjoyed popping into Ernesettle Community School earlier this week. Thank you to Mr Meredith for showing me round. It was good to congratulate the team there on the school’s recent Educational Outcomes Award.
Charlotte speaks out against the Two Child Cap
My view: It is wrong that this Conservative Government is making children a target for austerity. New figures show that over 70,000 families are affected by this Government’s two-child cap policy, with nearly 6 in 10 of families affected being in work.
Charlotte meets with local veterans support group
I don’t usually post about all my meetings and visits out and about, but this one was really special to me…
Government funded childcare scheme is failing young children
Charlotte Holloway, Labour and Co-operative Parliamentary candidate for Plymouth Moor View, has commented on National Day Nurseries Association research on shortfalls in Government funding for delivering the Conservatives’ flagship childcare policy, published today:
Charlotte comments on damning new figures on failed Conservative Studio School project
New information brought to light today by SchoolsWeek reveals that at least £23m has been spent on failed studio schools.
Charlotte starts new Herald column on being a pregnant politician
The Prime Minister in New Zealand, Ruth Davidson in Scotland, it seems like there is something catching in female politicians getting pregnant at the moment.
Plymouth would get all eight Type 26s under Labour
Good news today as Labour’s Shadow Defence Secretary Nia Griffith MP has pledged that a Labour Government will base port all the Type 26 and Type 31 Frigates in Devonport.
Charlotte celebrates Plymouth Labour victory in local elections
It was a fantastic evening for Labour in Plymouth in the local elections last night, with Labour winning control of Plymouth City Council.
Charlotte speaks to school students at Sir John Hunt College
A big thanks to Sir John Hunt Community Sports College for having me in yesterday to talk to a class of sparky engaged sixth formers.
Charlotte responds to announced closure of Plymouth Studio School
Today’s news on Plymouth Studio School is very concerning and many people across the city are asking serious questions about how a school, open for less than three years, could have been announced as closing so quickly.
The personal attacks in Plymouth politics must stop
I’ve just watched some remarkable behaviour from our Tory MP Mr Mercer on the BBC Sunday Politics show. Our MP justified repeated personal attack on neighbouring MP for Plymouth, Luke Pollard, and also demanded special treatment from the local press.
Charlotte secures Shadow Transport Secretary’s support for study to extend M5 to Plymouth
Good news for Plymouth’s future today, as Labour commits to fund a study on extending the M5 from Exeter to Plymouth.
Charlotte welcomes Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn MP to Plymouth
On Wednesday, I was delighted to join neighbouring Labour MP Luke Pollard and Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn at a roundtable with firefighters and representatives of the police to discuss the impact that nearly a decade of cuts have had on local services and their ability to keep the public safe.
