Lee Dillon, MP for Newbury, Maiden Speech

Standing in the House of Commons to deliver my maiden speech yesterday was a true honour. Being an MP has been a lifelong ambition of mine, which started when I visited Parliament as a teenager and promised myself that one day, I’d have the privilege of sitting on the famous green benches.

In my speech, I spoke about just a handful of the many things that make Newbury so special. We have a vibrant history, natural beauty, and of course incredible people. Whether it’s the racing legacy of Lambourn or global businesses like Vodafone, Newbury has both tradition and innovation.

As you may know, I have worked in social housing for 14 years, so housing affordability is naturally an issue that I’m passionate about. During my speech, I emphasised that the ability to have a warm and secure home is the foundation of a settled life. Children learn better, crime is lower, and community cohesion is stronger when people have a settled community. Housing is more than just bricks and mortar—it’s about building lives, communities, and futures.

I also took the opportunity to speak about the NHS, an institution that has great personal significance for me and my family. My sister wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for the NHS. Our healthcare system is under immense pressure, and if we want it to serve future generations as it has served us, we need to look after it, fund it, and modernise it, making it fit for purpose.

The cost-of-living crisis is another key issue for me, and I’ve witnessed the increasing reliance on food banks, soup kitchens, and other remarkable community groups across Newbury. It’s heart-breaking to think that in such an affluent area, there are still so many people struggling to put food on the table. I made it clear in my speech that we need to provide better support for those who need it most—especially as utility costs continue to rise.

I want to thank all of the people who have supported me on this journey so far: my constituents, my family, my team, and everyone who believed in me. There’s a lot of work to do, and I am committed to working hard for Newbury and ensuring that our community has a strong voice in Parliament. 

To watch the video of my maiden speech, visit Parliament.tv
For a full transcript of my maiden speech, visit Hansard Record