Max Wilkinson MP
@maxwilkinson.bsky.social
MP for Cheltenham
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Home Affairs
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Home Affairs
I had a fun, if wobbly, session in the cold to celebrate the opening of Cheltenham’s Christmas Ice Rink.
It’s a project I worked on as a councillor and I’m pleased to say the progress we made on reducing carbon output by using a battery and alternative fuels is still being enjoyed.
It’s a project I worked on as a councillor and I’m pleased to say the progress we made on reducing carbon output by using a battery and alternative fuels is still being enjoyed.
November 28, 2025 at 10:26 AM
I had a fun, if wobbly, session in the cold to celebrate the opening of Cheltenham’s Christmas Ice Rink.
It’s a project I worked on as a councillor and I’m pleased to say the progress we made on reducing carbon output by using a battery and alternative fuels is still being enjoyed.
It’s a project I worked on as a councillor and I’m pleased to say the progress we made on reducing carbon output by using a battery and alternative fuels is still being enjoyed.
I convened a meeting to discuss the future of our town centre. I was joined by representatives of the Civic Society, Historic England, Borough Council, County Council, local planning experts, architects, environmental campaigners and building owners.
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November 27, 2025 at 4:07 PM
I convened a meeting to discuss the future of our town centre. I was joined by representatives of the Civic Society, Historic England, Borough Council, County Council, local planning experts, architects, environmental campaigners and building owners.
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Ahead of tomorrow's Budget, I held a meeting with local hospitality businesses to hear their concerns. We've already lost too many wonderful cafes & restaurants in Cheltenham – the devastating impact of increased business rates and NI from the last Budget, in addition to years of Brexit chaos.
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November 25, 2025 at 4:55 PM
Ahead of tomorrow's Budget, I held a meeting with local hospitality businesses to hear their concerns. We've already lost too many wonderful cafes & restaurants in Cheltenham – the devastating impact of increased business rates and NI from the last Budget, in addition to years of Brexit chaos.
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She chickened out of answering the question and passed it to her junior minister instead.
Are you convinced by his answer?
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Are you convinced by his answer?
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November 24, 2025 at 7:08 PM
She chickened out of answering the question and passed it to her junior minister instead.
Are you convinced by his answer?
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Are you convinced by his answer?
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Polls suggest that Nigel Farage is heading for 10 Downing Street on a vote share of just 30%. It beggars belief that Labour is still committed to an outdated, undemocratic voting system that would see the hard right stroll into government on a minority of the vote.
November 21, 2025 at 4:36 PM
Polls suggest that Nigel Farage is heading for 10 Downing Street on a vote share of just 30%. It beggars belief that Labour is still committed to an outdated, undemocratic voting system that would see the hard right stroll into government on a minority of the vote.
I had a wonderful morning at Warden Hill Primary School to meet the winner of my Christmas card competition & other pupils.
Congratulations to Bea for her brilliant festive picture of Pittville Pump Room! Well done to all the children who entered. It was a very close vote & you all did brilliantly.
Congratulations to Bea for her brilliant festive picture of Pittville Pump Room! Well done to all the children who entered. It was a very close vote & you all did brilliantly.
November 21, 2025 at 10:58 AM
I had a wonderful morning at Warden Hill Primary School to meet the winner of my Christmas card competition & other pupils.
Congratulations to Bea for her brilliant festive picture of Pittville Pump Room! Well done to all the children who entered. It was a very close vote & you all did brilliantly.
Congratulations to Bea for her brilliant festive picture of Pittville Pump Room! Well done to all the children who entered. It was a very close vote & you all did brilliantly.
People have had enough of delays through Charlton Kings caused by crucial work on the A40 at Spring Bridge. I asked the Transport Secretary whether there’s help for councils that discover big problems during this work and if she would join me in asking for one lane to be reopened ASAP.
November 21, 2025 at 9:48 AM
People have had enough of delays through Charlton Kings caused by crucial work on the A40 at Spring Bridge. I asked the Transport Secretary whether there’s help for councils that discover big problems during this work and if she would join me in asking for one lane to be reopened ASAP.
There’s been too much pre-budget speculation. That’s bad for business. I raised the concerns of Cheltenham businesses with the Chief Secretary to the Treasury in Parliament.
November 18, 2025 at 9:00 AM
There’s been too much pre-budget speculation. That’s bad for business. I raised the concerns of Cheltenham businesses with the Chief Secretary to the Treasury in Parliament.
Ahead of the Budget, I'm backing Lib Dem plans for an emergency VAT cut for hospitality. Hospitality is Cheltenham's heart. We’ve already seen too many wonderful independent restaurants & cafes close, hammered by the jobs tax & higher business rates bills. It’s devastating we’ve reached this point.
November 17, 2025 at 1:49 PM
Ahead of the Budget, I'm backing Lib Dem plans for an emergency VAT cut for hospitality. Hospitality is Cheltenham's heart. We’ve already seen too many wonderful independent restaurants & cafes close, hammered by the jobs tax & higher business rates bills. It’s devastating we’ve reached this point.
It’s good news that Police and Crime Commissioners are being scrapped. That’s a long-term Liberal Democrat campaign. Policing must not be politicised.
Following the news, I have written to Gloucestershire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Chris Nelson.
Chris and I aren’t politically aligned…
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Following the news, I have written to Gloucestershire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Chris Nelson.
Chris and I aren’t politically aligned…
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November 14, 2025 at 11:35 AM
It’s good news that Police and Crime Commissioners are being scrapped. That’s a long-term Liberal Democrat campaign. Policing must not be politicised.
Following the news, I have written to Gloucestershire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Chris Nelson.
Chris and I aren’t politically aligned…
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Following the news, I have written to Gloucestershire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Chris Nelson.
Chris and I aren’t politically aligned…
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I enjoyed my visit to Art Union Cheltenham last weekend.
It was great to view all the artwork and gifts by local artists on sale and to hear more about owners Tracey and Tom’s experiences running a small business this past year.
I’ll be popping back for Christmas gifts very soon 🎄🎁
It was great to view all the artwork and gifts by local artists on sale and to hear more about owners Tracey and Tom’s experiences running a small business this past year.
I’ll be popping back for Christmas gifts very soon 🎄🎁
November 14, 2025 at 9:27 AM
I enjoyed my visit to Art Union Cheltenham last weekend.
It was great to view all the artwork and gifts by local artists on sale and to hear more about owners Tracey and Tom’s experiences running a small business this past year.
I’ll be popping back for Christmas gifts very soon 🎄🎁
It was great to view all the artwork and gifts by local artists on sale and to hear more about owners Tracey and Tom’s experiences running a small business this past year.
I’ll be popping back for Christmas gifts very soon 🎄🎁
I’ve been speaking up for local maternity services since before I was elected as Cheltenham’s MP. Today, I asked the Prime Minister for reassurance that a temporary downgrade of the Aveta Birth Centre in 2022 under a Conservative government will not become permanent under Labour.
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November 12, 2025 at 1:22 PM
I’ve been speaking up for local maternity services since before I was elected as Cheltenham’s MP. Today, I asked the Prime Minister for reassurance that a temporary downgrade of the Aveta Birth Centre in 2022 under a Conservative government will not become permanent under Labour.
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I was invited to appear on Sky News Politics Hub earlier this week. I challenged the idea that drilling in the North Sea would make our energy bills cheaper. It will make almost no difference to our bills. The Lib Dem plan to decouple wholesale gas prices from our energy bills would do so much more.
November 7, 2025 at 5:08 PM
I was invited to appear on Sky News Politics Hub earlier this week. I challenged the idea that drilling in the North Sea would make our energy bills cheaper. It will make almost no difference to our bills. The Lib Dem plan to decouple wholesale gas prices from our energy bills would do so much more.
Every year the Speaker of the House of Commons opens a Garden of Remembrance in Parliament.
This week, I’ve placed a cross in the Garden on behalf of the people of Cheltenham.
We will remember them.
This week, I’ve placed a cross in the Garden on behalf of the people of Cheltenham.
We will remember them.
November 6, 2025 at 8:51 AM
Every year the Speaker of the House of Commons opens a Garden of Remembrance in Parliament.
This week, I’ve placed a cross in the Garden on behalf of the people of Cheltenham.
We will remember them.
This week, I’ve placed a cross in the Garden on behalf of the people of Cheltenham.
We will remember them.
I was proud to take part in the annual Parliamentary Poppy Ride run by the IPT and the Royal British Legion. The event helps to raise awareness of and support for the Poppy Appeal.
Please go to rbl.org.uk to donate and support our Armed Forces community.
Please go to rbl.org.uk to donate and support our Armed Forces community.
November 5, 2025 at 1:00 PM
I was proud to take part in the annual Parliamentary Poppy Ride run by the IPT and the Royal British Legion. The event helps to raise awareness of and support for the Poppy Appeal.
Please go to rbl.org.uk to donate and support our Armed Forces community.
Please go to rbl.org.uk to donate and support our Armed Forces community.
Nigel Farage has just flip-flopped on the vague and unrealistic economic plan he had. But the main thing we must all remember is that his last big idea was Brexit and that was a disaster for the economy, as I reminded Sky’s Politics Hub this week.
November 5, 2025 at 10:45 AM
Nigel Farage has just flip-flopped on the vague and unrealistic economic plan he had. But the main thing we must all remember is that his last big idea was Brexit and that was a disaster for the economy, as I reminded Sky’s Politics Hub this week.
Thank you to the person who sent me the latest ‘Next PM’ odds. I can let you all into a secret: I’m not a candidate for that job. But it’s reassuring to know that the bookies think I’m more likely to get the public’s support than Liz Truss!
November 4, 2025 at 4:24 PM
Thank you to the person who sent me the latest ‘Next PM’ odds. I can let you all into a secret: I’m not a candidate for that job. But it’s reassuring to know that the bookies think I’m more likely to get the public’s support than Liz Truss!
I enjoyed the rare pleasure of some time sitting down at the Margaret Dabbs Cheltenham clinic last week, to mark #BritishBeautyWeek. I’m always keen to support local businesses. While I’m not what you might call a ‘typical’ customer, I was very pleased to be invited along. My feet were pleased too!
October 31, 2025 at 1:20 PM
I enjoyed the rare pleasure of some time sitting down at the Margaret Dabbs Cheltenham clinic last week, to mark #BritishBeautyWeek. I’m always keen to support local businesses. While I’m not what you might call a ‘typical’ customer, I was very pleased to be invited along. My feet were pleased too!
I spent an inspiring evening celebrating student successes at Balcarras School. It was an honour to be part of prizegiving evening and to enjoy musical items by students Jasmine Went & Ben Skeet. Thank you to headteacher Dominic Burke for inviting me & a big ‘congratulations’ to the prize winners.
October 30, 2025 at 8:18 AM
I spent an inspiring evening celebrating student successes at Balcarras School. It was an honour to be part of prizegiving evening and to enjoy musical items by students Jasmine Went & Ben Skeet. Thank you to headteacher Dominic Burke for inviting me & a big ‘congratulations’ to the prize winners.
Huge ‘thanks’ and congratulations to the Allstar Passion cheerleading squad for inviting me to the opening of their new training centre at the Bramery Business Park.
Squad leader PK and her coaches are doing a fantastic job. I can tell you from experience that cheerleading gives you a real ‘high’.
Squad leader PK and her coaches are doing a fantastic job. I can tell you from experience that cheerleading gives you a real ‘high’.
October 24, 2025 at 10:08 AM
Huge ‘thanks’ and congratulations to the Allstar Passion cheerleading squad for inviting me to the opening of their new training centre at the Bramery Business Park.
Squad leader PK and her coaches are doing a fantastic job. I can tell you from experience that cheerleading gives you a real ‘high’.
Squad leader PK and her coaches are doing a fantastic job. I can tell you from experience that cheerleading gives you a real ‘high’.
Yesterday, I was pleased to meet Atlas during a visit to Hyde Park barracks, home of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment.
They say he’s the second biggest horse in Europe and I can confirm he looks even bigger close up!
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They say he’s the second biggest horse in Europe and I can confirm he looks even bigger close up!
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October 17, 2025 at 10:48 AM
Yesterday, I was pleased to meet Atlas during a visit to Hyde Park barracks, home of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment.
They say he’s the second biggest horse in Europe and I can confirm he looks even bigger close up!
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They say he’s the second biggest horse in Europe and I can confirm he looks even bigger close up!
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It was lovely meeting local business owner Jean Grogan at the School House Café. Jean handmakes vintage-style miniature mohair teddy bears that sell all over the world. She shared with me how Brexit & changes to tariffs & trade deals have greatly impacted her business, Little Scruffs.
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October 10, 2025 at 11:18 AM
It was lovely meeting local business owner Jean Grogan at the School House Café. Jean handmakes vintage-style miniature mohair teddy bears that sell all over the world. She shared with me how Brexit & changes to tariffs & trade deals have greatly impacted her business, Little Scruffs.
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I visited the Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice for Hospice Care Week to meet with staff and service users. It was wonderful to hear about the success of their ‘Take a Breath’ pilot course, which helps people receiving care for breathing conditions get more enjoyment from life.
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October 9, 2025 at 12:13 PM
I visited the Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice for Hospice Care Week to meet with staff and service users. It was wonderful to hear about the success of their ‘Take a Breath’ pilot course, which helps people receiving care for breathing conditions get more enjoyment from life.
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It was wonderful to hear how so many people from the local community came together and helped to plant the garden.
Well done to the Wildlife Trust, Leckhampton with Warden Hill Parish Council and everyone involved.
More rain gardens please!
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Well done to the Wildlife Trust, Leckhampton with Warden Hill Parish Council and everyone involved.
More rain gardens please!
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October 8, 2025 at 10:58 AM
It was wonderful to hear how so many people from the local community came together and helped to plant the garden.
Well done to the Wildlife Trust, Leckhampton with Warden Hill Parish Council and everyone involved.
More rain gardens please!
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Well done to the Wildlife Trust, Leckhampton with Warden Hill Parish Council and everyone involved.
More rain gardens please!
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I met Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust & councillor Tony Oliver in Warden Hill to see its largest sunken rain garden to date. A good job too – it was one of the wettest days we’ve had in a while! More than 10 tonnes of soil were removed, meaning the space can hold back 5,000+ litres of water.
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October 8, 2025 at 10:58 AM
I met Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust & councillor Tony Oliver in Warden Hill to see its largest sunken rain garden to date. A good job too – it was one of the wettest days we’ve had in a while! More than 10 tonnes of soil were removed, meaning the space can hold back 5,000+ litres of water.
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