Brighten the Corners
Proud supporters of independent local journalism in Ipswich
A factual and unbiased public record of MP for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich Patrick Spencer's public commitments.
Public commitments
On Cardinal Medical Practice
14th August 2024
Following our investigation into Cardinal Medical Practice, Spencer followed Jack Abbott by issuing a statement to Ipswich.co.uk calling for urgent action:
"For too long residents in North Ipswich and surrounding areas including Claydon, Barham and Henley have been struggling to access the good quality patient care and health services they deserve."
"Cardinal Medical Practice clearly still has challenges and I will be seeking an early meeting with them, but in the meantime we are still waiting for delivery of the new 'super surgery' which will deliver improved services for residents and I will be meeting with Suffolk and North East Essex [ICB] as a priority to understand what more needs to be done to get this surgery over the line."
House of Commons
On his constituency
25th July 2024
In his maiden speech in the House of Commons on July 25th 2024, Spencer said:
"I count the wards of Whitton, Whitehouse and Castle Hill as part of my patch. Whitton and Whitehouse are two of the most deprived wards in our country. Castle Hill is probably one of the most unequal.
"By any measure, Ipswich is, like its football team, a huge success story, but large parts of it, including many families living in Whitehouse, Whitton and Castle Hill, have been left behind. The story is all too familiar: the failure to adapt in a post-industrial economy; generations of low-wage work, if not worklessness; the proliferation of crime; and high levels of immigration that have caused a degree of social polarisation.
"For however long the people of Central Suffolk and North Ipswich want me to represent them, I will fight in this place to empower those people who feel left behind, those who want to get on in life, and those who want to, and can, reach their potential.
"At a time when faith and trust in politics is at an all-time low among those who feel locked out of our economy and our society, there is no more pressing cause than ensuring that Britain works for everyone.
"Today, we are debating the merits of allowing MPs to have a second job. Time and again on the doorstep during the election, and across dining tables for many years, I have heard from people—rich and poor, young and old, left and right—that they have lost faith in politicians doing the right thing.
"Believe it or not, the NHS, immigration, jobs, incomes and access to homes were all hugely important to the voters at this general election, but the most important thing to the people across my constituency—from Whitehouse to Whitton, Kesgrave to Claydon and Ringshall to Rendham—whether they voted for me or not, was restoring a sense of moral probity and public spiritedness to our political system.
"As we embark on this debate and others in this place, let us keep that in mind."
Registered interests
Properties
On July 11th 2024, Spencer declared a property in London. A week later on July 17th 2024, he then declared a second property in Woodbridge.
Shareholdings
IPGL
On July 11th 2024, Spencer declared his shareholding in IPGL, a privately held family office established by his father, Michael Spencer, in 1986 to manage his business interests. It isn't known how many shares Spencer owns in the company.
Suffolk Ventures Limited
On July 11th 2024, Spencer declared his shareholding in Suffolk Ventures Limited. At the time, he was the sole director and shareholder of the company.
On August 11th, 2024, Spencer terminated his directorship and transferred ownership of the company to his wife, Anna. This means he will no longer have to declare his interest in the company moving forward.
Hollesley Waldringfield Partnership
On July 17th 2024, Spencer declared he was a Governor for the Hollesley Waldringfield Partnership, which governs primary schools in Waldringfield and Hollesley. The role is unpaid.
Blue WV Limited
On July 22nd 2024, Spencer declared he was an unpaid director of Blue WV Limited. He resigned from the role on August 10th, 2024, the day before he transferred ownership of Suffolk Ventures Limited to his wife.
Centre for Social Justice
On August 2nd 2024, Spencer declared he was a Senior Fellow at the Centre for Social Justice.
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