New MP office opens in market town

An MP has opened a new parliamentary office in a market town after it felt "like the right thing to do".

Dr Peter Prinsley, Labour MP for Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket, opened the office about a year after being elected.

The MP will hold surgeries at his new office in 4 Market Place, in Stowmarket.

Dr Prinsley told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "It did feel to me like putting the office in Stowmarket made sense. There had never previously been any parliamentary office here; it felt like the right thing to do."

The MP officially opened the office by cutting a red ribbon with the help of his wife, Dr Marian Prinsley, on Friday.

"Stowmarket is a really lovely little town, and we are very pleased to be able to be here," he added.

The MP and his staff had been using the space for several months but had to delay the opening date until security provisions could be organised.

Cliff Waterman, labour councillor and leader at West Suffolk Council, said the opening was great news for Bury St Edmunds.

"He's saying 'here I am, come talk to me' and I think that's what an MP should be doing," he added.

His office will employ four people regularly, in a mix of part-time and full-time roles, and will eventually offer internships and work experience opportunities.

Dr Prinsley said: "I'm usually here at the end of the week – I hope people might spot me, we're definitely open to people coming to see us."

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