November has seen some big changes in my life personally with my wedding to my now wonderful husband Tim. But also, as Brecon and Radnorshire’s MP in that, not only will I be continuing to champion the constituency I love, but also Wales since my appointment as Parliamentary Under- Secretary of State in the Wales Office. I know, buses come in threes, or twos in this case!

My new responsibilities span Welsh agriculture, the Mid and North Wales Growth Deals, the Cardiff and Swansea City Deals, the Union, and enable me to more extensively hold the Welsh Government to account on education, health and many other critical services which I know from countless conversations over my time as an MP the Welsh Government fall short on. In a happy contrast with my previous role, I will also be able to speak in the Chamber much more regularly, so you shall next see me on the green benches answering Wales Questions on 6th December!

Some other real highlights this month with the Royal Welsh Winter Fair where there was some wonderful inclusion of children in farming community events, plus the Hay Festival’s Winter Weekend, which felt especially significant given the £500,000 awarded to them by Chancellor in his Autumn Statement. The Autumn Statement certainly made for a busy start to my role! But I really welcomed the cut in National Insurance, and I know many constituents will too.

Much less welcome developments were afoot however. I am really cross with the banks after the decision to close the Barclays branch in Builth Wells from March next year, which was not even 24 hours after Lloyds Bank decided to withdraw their mobile service in Crickhowell contrary to assurances they gave after closing the branch some years ago. I will be contacting the Banking Minister to arrange an urgent meeting to discuss what can be done to make sure my constituents are properly serviced by the high street banks.