MP COLUMN: Angela Rayner, MP for Ashton-under-Lyne

Although my roles as Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government keep me incredibly busy, my priority will always be my role as MP for Ashton-under-Lyne, Audenshaw, Droylsden and Dukinfield. 

On Fridays and at the weekend, I strive to be here in the constituency and recently, I have been lucky enough to be invited on some fantastic local visits. 

School visits are one of my favourite things to do and I loved joining pupils at Great Academy Ashton who are taking part in the Jamie Oliver programme which teaches them about nutrition and how to make healthier food choices. 

I rolled my sleeves up, tied my hair back and made chicken fajitas with the class. It was brilliant to see the students so enthused by the task. 

Next up was a tour of Candy’s Cupcakes in Dukinfield to meet husband and wife team Jason and Candice Bannister who have grown their business from its humble origins in their home kitchen in 2011 to the 16 strong team they now run at the Wellington Centre. 

The workshop smelt amazing and it was fascinating to see how the staff use TikTok to promote the business and canvas opinion for new flavours to try. 

I ended the day with a visit to Lomas Court, a supported housing extra care scheme in Newman Street run by MSV Housing and Tameside Council. 

There are 20 self contained apartments for 18 to 55-year-olds with physical disabilities and they are designed to cater to specific needs while promoting independence. 

I enjoyed a brew and a chat in the communal dining room before one of the residents kindly showed me around his flat. 

Finally, it was my great honour to join the Diwali celebrations at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Lees Road along with Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, fellow MPs Jonathan Reynolds and Navendu Mishra and local councillors. The temple looked so beautiful and it was fabulous to see everyone so happy in their celebrations.