JUST over a year ago, Labour's Lindsay Hoyle swept to victory in the General Election. In an exclusive interview with Citizen reporter Ian McCawley, Mr Hoyle looks back at his first year in Parliament and examines the issues which have dominated the past 12 months.

ASK Lindsay Hoyle MP how he feels after Labour's first year in power and he'll give you the same answer as Tony Blair: cautiously optimistic.

Lindsay has already got through a raft of work during his first 12 months in Parliament and is quickly establishing a reputation for the energy and effort he puts into his position.

This was highlighted recently when he spearheaded the forefront of a campaign calling for stricter safety guidelines at nurseries following the death of Chorley toddler Alex Rae.

"I've taken up many issues over the past year. But the one that was possibly the most difficult and important is the bill to improve childcare safety legislation after the tragic death of Alex Rae," he said.

"I've had a lot of cross-party support and I'm sure that somewhere along the line the Government will take on board the ideas that so many people want to see introduced."

Lindsay has already been appointed to the Commons' trade and industry and catering committees. He is also the vice-chair of the backbench defence committee and has signed up for the Royal Marines Parliamentary training scheme.

He has focused on a wide range of local issues, from support for Chorley's rural community to the planned redevelopment of the Royal Ordnance site at Euxton and the long term goals for the borough's unemployed.

"We've got to be pleased about having such a low jobless rate, but there are young and old long term unemployed so we need to ensure they have a chance," he said.

"I've also been taking up rural issues. I'll continue to support farmers and promote British farm products - I want to see the beef ban lifted."

Another issue set to dominate the local political scene is the setting up of a north west Regional Development Agency - and Lindsay is determined to put in a good word for Chorley before it is up and running.

He added: "It would make sense for Chorley to be the new headquarters of the RDA - we're in a central position."

It's been a doubly busy year for Lindsay, because last May he was also elected as Chorley's Mayor and split his time between London and home.

He recently retired from the council, but wife Cath is following in his footsteps by winning the right to represent Adlington at the recent elections.

"I was privileged to hold the position and carry out mayoral functions. It's been an eventful year and I'm happy with the business and community links that have been established," he said.

But an MP can't do it all on his own. Lindsay paid tribute to his diligent back-up team: "It's thanks to the support I get from a wonderful team both here and in London that I can keep in touch with constituents and with what's going on. I can't thank them enough.

"We have dealt with over 8,000 letters and I have held more than 40 surgeries. We are currently dealing with 180 cases from constituents.

"It's important to get feedback not just from Labour voters, but from all political sides, and that's what I hope will happen more often at my surgeries."

Although there are many tough battles ahead, Lindsay is satisfied with the way Labour has begun after 18 years in the wilderness.

"The most impressive thing has been the dedication and courage of Tony Blair and Mo Mowlam that has brought real hope of sustained peace in Northern Ireland."

And following slightly disappointing election results on May 7, Lindsay is under no illusions that the year ahead will be tough for the government and busy locally.

He said: "We've just got to keep working hard to promote Chorley and stand up for the interests of constituents and local businesses."

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