Kate writes a bi-weekly column for the Burton Mail. This column was originally featured in the 30th July print edition.
So the wait is over. All eyes are on the West Midland as the 2022 Commonwealth Games begin in Birmingham. This is a really momentous time for our region as we showcase the best of Britain on a global stage as well as celebrate sporting success.
Over the next week and a bit, Birmingham will host 6,500 athletes and officials from 72 Commonwealth nations and territories. I am sure all of us will be cheering on Team England as they compete in an array of athletic and team sport activities. Of course, there will be added excitement locally when the world-record holding swimmer, Adam Peaty, from Uttoxeter, is competing.
Like we saw a decade ago with the London 2012 Olympics, the Commonwealth Games will provide a real economic boost for the West Midlands. New investment, as a direct result of hosting the Games will create 40,000 new jobs and volunteering opportunities, £38 million investment in innovation programmes, £24 million in business and tourism programmes, as well as new and upgraded sporting facilities.
This will be an exciting time for our region, and I want to wish all the athletes preforming the best of luck! Bring on the Games!
It would be remiss of me not to mention the other contest, which is currently taking place, the Conservative Leadership election. As regular readers of this column will know, I was previously supporting Penny Mordant MP who narrowly missed out on a place in the final two.
I am very interested to know constituents’ thoughts on who should be the next leader and Prime Minister and why that is. I have set up a survey on my website so I can hear what residents think.
To complete the survey, visit www.kategriffiths.org.uk/news/NextPM or write to me at Gothard House, 9 St Paul’s Square, Burton upon Trent, DE14 2EF.
