Having been sworn in, it’s now down to the serious business of government – a task made considerably more difficult because of the mess left by the Conservatives.

The scale of their fiscal fiasco became apparent last week when the new Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, laid bare the extremely dire financial position we’ve inherited – a catastrophic £22 billion black hole in the nation’s finances.

As a result, a review of the New Hospitals Programme, which includes the rebuild of our own Watford General was announced. The delay is infuriating.

Bobbing up and down on the green benches that afternoon, I eventually caught the speaker’s eye and was able ask my first question for you on such an important issue.

I outlined how bitterly disappointed residents would be by the announcement of the review, given the fact that the Conservatives had claimed time and time again that the money was definitely there. I asked: “Where was the money?” The reply came that “the money simply was not there,” for that and other things too.

I want the review conducted as quickly as possible and a realistic timetable produced. Having campaigned in good faith to get construction started, I’ll be pressing home Watford’s case and for commitments to be honoured when I meet with Wes Streeting, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.

Another casualty of the financial black hole is, sadly, changing the Pensioners’ Winter Fuel Allowance to be a means-tested benefit, because we can’t afford it. Those on Pension Credit will still receive it, protecting the least well-off. Shockingly, many people entitled to it do not claim it – so I urge you to check your entitlement with Age UK or Citizen’s Advice.

  • Matt Turmaine is Labour MP for Watford