As this is my first column in the Dumbarton Reporter since being re-elected to serve as your MP for West Dunbartonshire, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the voters of Dumbarton, Vale of Leven and Clydebank for once again placing their trust in me.

Since first being elected in 2015 my ambition has been to give West Dunbartonshire a strong voice in parliament and I’m determined to continue doing so to the very best of my ability. Over the past 2 years my constituency team and I have helped more than 4,000 people on a range of issues from immigration to social security and tax credits. Dealing with constituent casework can be challenging but it is also one of the most rewarding parts of the job of being an MP.

It’s certainly been a busy few weeks since the election, with the Tories learning no lessons from Theresa May’s weakened position as they continue to pursue their ill-advised austerity agenda. The UK government has decided to press ahead with jobcentre closures across the country, including the closure of Alexandria jobcentre. I have made it clear to the Tory Work & Pensions Secretary that the axing of vital services in West Dunbartonshire is completely unacceptable and I will continue to oppose them every step of the way.

Regrettably, Lisa Brown, a constituent from Alexandria, remains missing in Spain after disappearing in November 2015. I am doing all I can to assist Lisa’s family and will continue pressing the government to support them in their efforts to find Lisa.

Earlier this month I also raised with the Foreign Secretary the case of Caroline Hope, a constituent who had been seriously ill in a Turkish hospital. It’s fantastic news that thanks the generosity of friends, family and the general public Caroline has been able to return home to Scotland.

Parliament is now entering summer recess which allows me the opportunity to spend more time here in the constituency. In the weeks ahead I will be meeting with many of the fantastic local businesses, charities and community organisations across West Dunbartonshire. I am also holding pop-up constituent advice surgeries throughout the summer period.

I am here to represent all of my constituents regardless of how you voted. I would encourage anyone with any issues they’d like to discuss to get in touch via email to martin.docherty.mp@parliament.uk or by calling my constituency office on 0141 952 2988.