NORTH Ayrshire and Arran's new MP has delivered her maiden speech in the House of Commons.
Irene Campbell spoke to members during a meeting at Westminster held on Wednesday, November 6.
The Saltcoats woman, who was elected in July, had those in the chamber cheering and laughing as she introduced both herself and her constituency during the speech.
“I’m honoured that people put their faith in me and voted for me to be their MP," Ms Campbell said.
The Labour MP then paid tribute to her predecessor Patricia Gibson, as well as her staff, for their hard work during her nine-year term as the elected member for the area.
Ms Campbell went on to explain how she was first introduced to politics as a neighbour to the late David Lambie - a former Ardrossan Academy pupil who served as MP for Central Ayrshire from 1970 until 1983.
“This was my introduction to politics and this place," she added, "and I was fascinated as to what was going on and how it all worked.
“I remember being in the gallery to see a Prime Minister's Questions in the 1980s and it’s hard to believe I am now here on the green benches.”
The politician then outlined to the chamber details of the constituency she calls home and will serve.
Ms Campbell described North Ayrshire, where she lived most of her life, as the “best of both the countryside and seaside”.
She also explained briefly that she had moved from the area to London "as a punk" in the 1980s to begin her working life.
She said: “I would have not have expected that years later I would be back in London where I started my career.
“I am no longer a punk as you can see but hopefully I still have the attitude.”
Ms Campbell then spoke of the famous faces of North Ayrshire both past and present, briefly discussing the life and achievements of Betsy Miller, Henry Faulds, Steve Clarke, Colin Hay, Nicola Benedetti, Jemma Reekie and Gallagher and Lyle.
She also paid homage to the many community organisations and projects which operate locally.
These included North Ayrshire Women's aid - where Ms Campbell served on the board and as chair - the numerous Men's Sheds across the county, the First Alliance Credit Union, the Radio City Association, SeaSalt Streets and the Save Ardrossan Harbour group. She added that "there is many more I could mention”.
The Labour MP started to draw her speech to a close by briefly mentioning the Splash group, which she chairs, and their project to revive the outdoor swimming pool in Saltcoats.
She concluded by stating her intentions as a newly elected member of parliament.
She said: “I am in this place to serve my community and my aim is that during this parliament I can bring improvement, investment and work hard to make positive change to the life of people in North Ayrshire and Arran.”
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