A Bolton MP has become a ‘mission delivery champion’ as part of Keir Starmer’s Labour Government.

A total of 27 MPs have been appointed as champions – with the stated aim of informing, progressing, and promoting the Government’s work to deliver its ‘five core missions’.

In the party’s manifesto released before the July general election, Labour said it would run a ‘mission-driven government’.

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Its five stated missions are: kickstart economic growth, make Britain a clean energy superpower, take back our streets by halving serious violent crime, break down barriers to opportunity, and build an NHS fit for the future.

Now, a group of 27 MPs will sit weekly to communicate the delivery of the mission in their area, with two MPs appointed for each region and nation, and five MPs appointed as national leads for each of the five missions.

One of the MPs appointed for the North West is Bolton’s  Kirith Entwistle.

Alongside Andy McNae – MP for Rossendale and Darwen – she will attend the new weekly meetings.

Speaking to The Bolton News, the Bolton North East MP said the new role was an opportunity to make sure people feel heard – with a ‘direct channel into Number 10’.

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Ms Entwistle said: “We’ll have weekly meetings and it will be, fundamentally, an opportunity for me to raise things that are coming up in the constituency that we might not have necessarily spotted before.

“I think it’s really important for towns like Bolton in the North West to have that voice, and to have that opportunity to have that direct line into number 10.

“You might be talking about X, but actually what’s really troubling people in Bolton is Y – that’s what we need to rethink our strategy on. I think it’s really important that whatever we’re talking about at a national level not only resonates with people at a local and regional level, but it also needs to be relevant.

“I think that’s the more crucial element – it’s not just about Government coming in and saying ‘we’re going to do this’ – it’s about Government coming in and saying ‘we know this is a problem in towns like Bolton in the North West, what we’re going to do is look at this properly’.

“When I came in I said I wanted to stand up and put Bolton first, I just see this as being able to do that and focus on my constituents more than say if I was in a department as a PPS [parliamentary private secretary], I’d have to focus more specifically on policy areas and policy issues.

“I think this is a really good opportunity for the people of Bolton to make their views and thoughts and opinions heard.

“I know it’s taken me a couple of months to get my office and staff into place, but I really hope that people do make sure that their thoughts and views are heard, and I do hope they continue to get in touch with me, and I’ll make sure I can do my best to raise that, and now I’ve got an additional route to raise that with.”

The group’s first meeting was on Wednesday, September 11. While a date has not yet been set for the next meeting, they are planned to be held on a weekly basis.

Labour party chair and minister without portfolio at the Cabinet Office Ellie Reeves appointed the 27 MPs which make up the champions.

The minister will be chairing each meeting.

In a statement, the minister said: “Labour are serious about creating a new way of doing government, and finally being rid of the short-termism and chaos that became synonymous with Tory administrations.

“The only way we can deliver on our five core missions is if we have all hands at the wheel to help. I’m delighted to appoint these new Champions who will be vital to helping Government keep informed of on-the-ground realities, and for promoting the Government’s successful delivery as we progress our work.

“Labour Members of Parliament know their communities; they know their local industries and services and they know where the Government isn’t delivering where it should be for their constituents.

“This new model of how Government is done will mean that our missions deliver for people, and deliver on Labour’s mandate for change.”

If you have a story, I cover the whole borough of Bolton. Please get in touch at jack.fifield@newsquest.co.uk.