ONE thing that continues to surprise me is how much I love the local casework and problem-solving aspects of my work as an MP.

What also surprises me is how much of this work is not just technically not my responsibility, but also outside of my power and jurisdiction.

Roche residents will know, for instance, that, despite mine and many local residents’ misgivings over the planned bus-gate and virtual footpath – which I viewed as a stopgap solution – I chose not to overrule local parish councillors, who voted almost unanimously to support it. In politics, where, for instance, devolved power is exercised, it’s vital to remember how to agree to disagree, but also where things, despite heights of your office, as simply above your jurisdiction.

I always appreciate when residents keep me abreast of local issues across the constituency, including everything from potholes to complex local or personal matters that require attention. At the same time, it’s vitally important from both a political literacy and practical perspective that constituents are aware of what falls under my remit and what doesn’t.

For example, your local Cornwall councillor is ultimately responsible for issues such as highways, bins and planning, and the support I can offer is sometimes limited to contacting the council directly; however, in cases relating to national government issues, such as the DWP or the Home Office, whilst I am not myself “the government”, I am able to take a more active and direct role.

This is all why, I’m looking for a right-hand person on Cornwall Council to help me deliver more even at the most local level. Last May’s trough in the polls meant that, despite four hardworking Cornish Labour MPs cementing ourselves as part of the political fabric of Cornwall, to the delight of our dedicated local volunteers and many long-suffering tactical Labour voters, we only have a small – but effective - Labour group on Cornwall Council.

Suzanne Featherstone is a true local champion in Newquay who, working alongside the late former Cornwall Councillor, Kevin Towill, other residents and I, secured road safety initiatives in Nansledan. As a former parish councillor for Colan, she has experience supporting our communities, complemented by her lifelong commitment to her work in charities and in academia as a lecturer.

With her campaign for unity and community, Suzanne will be an asset to residents of Porth, Tretherras and Nansledan.

And, with Labour and co-operative Cornwall councillors that – unlike so many – don’t take the position for granted and can actually do their job, I will have more time to represent you all on the issues where the MP is your only voice on the national stage, as well as doing the nitty gritty work back at my desk required to deliver on my key pledges.

At the end of the day, there are 15 councillors of varying quality in my patch, and only one of me, so as much as I love playing the role of super councillor, it’s in the public’s best interest to be efficient with our use of resources. Vote Suzanne for Porth, Tretherras and Nansledan on April 23.