THE MP for Edinburgh East & Musselburgh is marking the first 100 days since his election with moves to open an office in Portobello.

Work is under way on Chris Murray MP’s new base on 190 High Street.

He has also recruited a team to support him with his work as he represents the constituency at Westminster.

Since taking office following the General Election in July, they have handled 2,500 emails and resolved about 1,000 pieces of casework which the Labour MP described as “diverse”.

Mr Murray has held 12 advice surgeries across the constituency, four in Musselburgh, something which he plans to continue, and has had “scores” of conversations with constituents.

He said that he had spent a year knocking on doors around Musselburgh, with the cost-of-living crisis and the NHS, including GP waiting times, the two major concerns raised.

Chris Murray, Labour MP for Edinburgh East & Musselburgh, has marked the first 100 days since his election with the opening of his office in Portobello

Local issues included the Musselburgh Flood Protection Scheme, the closure of parts of the Brunton Hall following a roof survey, along with the impact of population growth and more housebuilding.

Mr Murray also stressed the importance of Edinburgh University and Queen Margaret University for employment, growth and contribution to the local economy and the world.

He said that he was there to ensure that people’s voices were heard in decisions and that the decisions worked for them.

He explained that it was important for him as an MP to be based in and active in the constituency.

The team of five has helped constituents to access benefits that they were entitled to, supported people who were facing difficulties with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), and helped Ukrainian refugees find housing.

Meetings have taken place with the chair of The Brunton and local police over anti-social behaviour and speeding at Inveresk.

In parliament last week, Mr Murray led a Westminster debate on the economic and cultural impact of the Edinburgh Festivals, making reference to the closure of parts of The Brunton.

The office is accessible to Musselburgh via the 26 bus route.

Mr Murray’s team is:

  • Katherine Sangster, head of office, an Inveresk resident, has lived in the constituency for more than 20 years. She has spent 10 years campaigning for “better policy outcomes” in Scotland locally and nationally, and is Scottish director of the Fabian Society.
  • Matt Shiels, a resident of Restalrig, who recently graduated from the University of Edinburgh and is former chair of Edinburgh Labour Students, is parliamentary assistant.
  • Evan Keir, a Portobello resident, is caseworker with experience of working with refugees.
  • Jonny Alvarez-Buylla also lives in the constituency and will support the team alongside his studies at Edinburgh University.
  • Ellis Milsom is senior caseworker and also lives in Portobello. He brings a “wealth of community engagement experience” from other MPs offices.

Mr Murray will also publish a monthly newsletter which people can sign up for and receive via email.

His Musselburgh advice surgeries are held on the first Friday of every month. He can be found at the Brunton Hall from 5pm until 6pm. Appointments are not necessary but, in case any last-minute changes have to be made, people who are making exceptional travel arrangements should contact the team at chris.murray.mp@parliament.uk

As the office is not yet open for business, constituents are asked to contact the team by email.

Mr Murray can also be contacted by post by writing to Chris Murray MP, House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA or at 190 Portobello High Street, Edinburgh, EH15 1EX.