Douglas Alexander

LABOUR was elected to government with a very explicit mission to kickstart economic growth and make the UK the fastest-growing major economy.

THE House of Commons’ brief summer recess is now over but I was pleased to join Martin Whitfield MSP on a visit to The Premium Bakery in Prestonpans.

ONE thing that is very clear to me is the wealth of outstanding local charities and community groups that operate across the county.

AS I HAVE said on countless conversations and forums across the constituency since the election, being MP for Lothian East is my number one priority.

WE ARE just six weeks into the new Labour Government but already we are beginning to deliver on the important commitments outlined in our election manifesto.

I STARTED my constituency time this week with a site visit to Cockenzie with council leader Norman Hampshire and senior council officials.

THE first month since the election has been something of a whirlwind, so it is even more of a pleasure to be able to focus on the constituency and my responsibilities here in East Lothian.

IT’S barely been three weeks since the General Election but, as I have got down to work, it’s proved to be a busy few days.

LAST Monday was a day of arrival in the House of Commons, along with a much bigger group of 37 Scottish Labour MPs.

LAST Friday morning at about 3am, the Lothian East constituency result was announced and I was thrilled to discover I had been elected as our new Member of Parliament.