WHEN reviewing this year in the parliamentary office it was interesting to see the top three issues that the people of Inverclyde have brought to my attention.

First by some considerable margin was the cost-of-living crisis and deeply embedded in that are energy prices.

It breaks my heart that an energy rich country like Scotland has people living in energy poverty.

And it fills my heart with pride that the second biggest concern of these same people is not their own plight but that of the innocent men, women and children in Gaza.

It says a lot about the citizens of Inverclyde that they can still sympathise with other people, in a faraway land, despite their own trials and tribulations.

Third and also related to finance was the cost of fuel. An issue that Stuart McMillan MSP has been pursuing for a considerable time and one that we may have finally got a resolution to.

But I won’t take my eye off the price at the pumps and I will continue to ensure the people of Inverclyde get a fair deal.

Among the thousands of cases that we have handled, and that doesn’t include just a phone call or email, that’s the thousands of cases that we have taken on and pursued with the relevant authorities, we have had some great wins.

We always get a buzz from righting a wrong and getting £16,813 back dated in Personal Independence Payment for one constituent was an absolute joy.

That and the day we got a £5,216 refund from the Home Office for one constituent and the new heating system (boilers and radiators) installed in another’s home, not forgetting the £5,958 back dated as a Limited Capability for Work payment for another.

Of course, that’s the job, that’s what we are paid to do. But it’s interesting to note that none of these things are to do with what most people perceive as party politics.

The Member of Parliament’s role is to represent all of their constituents and while I am in office, with the outstanding support of my parliamentary team, that is precisely what I shall continue to do.