Max Wilkinson MP

@maxwilkinson.bsky.social

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MP for Cheltenham Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Home Affairs

People are rightly sick of the revolving door at 10 Downing Street. Labour is about to give us a second PM just two years into government. Whoever comes next must fix our broken politics and address the fundamental problems holding our country back - the nonsensical trade barriers with our biggest economic partner, the cost of living crisis and the disempowerment felt by communities everywhere. They will need to take seriously the challenges in defence and security, too.
Image shows figures and insights into Max’s impact in Cheltenham during Jan-March 2026. From top left to bottom right: - 5,147 letters and emails sent to and on behalf of constituents - 1 law change - my landmark ‘Sunshine Bill’ became law - 3,735 personal and political issues my team and I helped constituents with - 53 advice surgeries, meetings and other visits in Cheltenham - 1 huge infrastructure project started - M5 J10 - 90 debates, questions to ministers and speeches in the House of Commons At the bottom of the image is the email to contact Max - max.wilkinson.mp@parliament.uk
Letter reads: Sarah Jones MP Minister of State for Policing and Crime 2 Marsham Street London SW1P 4DF By email 22 January 2026 Dear Minister, We write as a matter of urgency to express our sincere hope that Gloucestershire Constabulary will be given the financial resources and flexibility required to ensure an adequate budget can be supported for 2026/27. We also endorse the Constabulary bid for a one-off Home Office grant of £10.5M to overcome the constraints imposed by legacy IT. Without this support, the Constabulary will face the same type of cuts in operational capability seen in other forces, with reductions in officer, PCSO and police staff numbers. Estate cuts will also be on the cards, with changes to its front of house service and sale of police buildings. This is despite the recently announced and very welcome relaxation of financial penalties if warranted officer numbers are not maintained, allowing a better balance between officers and police staff, facilitating better budget management. Our Police and Crime Commissioner Chris Nelson has delivered a detailed briefing to the County’s MPs. He assures us that he is determined to avoid issuing a section 114 notice and will do whatever it takes to deliver a balanced budget for FY 26/27. Gloucestershire residents are clearly in favour of a more visible police force with a particular focus on visibility in local communities and measures to tackle crime. The Commissioner tells us that without the requested Home Office IT grant, the requirement for a balanced budget could involve cuts to our Neighbourhood Police Teams and the Constabulary’s ability to keep our citizens safe from serious crime. As local MPs, we hope the Home Office will work with the Commissioner to minimise the risk of any cuts to frontline policing. Yours sincerely Max Wilkinson MP Member of Parliament for Cheltenham Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Home Affairs