MP has 'renewed focus' after Democrats' convention

Lucy Rigby, MP for Northampton North, attended the Democratic Party's National Convention in Chicago

An MP who attended the Democratic Party's National Convention said the experience gave her a "renewed" focus to address local issues.

Lucy Rigby, Labour MP for Northampton North, attended the event in Chicago this week at which Kamala Harris officially accepted her party's nomination for the upcoming US presidential election.

The MP described the event as an opportunity to "learn and share ideas" with her American counterparts.

Reflecting on her experience, Ms Rigby said it had "renewed" her commitment to her constituency.

Kamala Harris has accepted her party's nomination, and will progress with her presidential campaign as the Democratic candidate

On the final night of four days at the Democratic party convention, Ms Harris pledged to lead "for all Americans" and create an "opportunity economy."

Ms Rigby was in Chicago to share insights from the recent UK general election, offering a perspective from Northampton, a marginal seat she compared to key US battleground states like Pennsylvania and Michigan.

She witnessed what she described as "incredible" speeches from leading US political figures.

Among those she saw speak were former President Barack Obama, former First Lady Michelle Obama, and Bill and Hillary Clinton.

Ms Rigby said the main takeaway from the trip was the importance of politicians and parties speaking directly to working people about the issues that truly matter, "like the economy and the cost of living."

She said the experience has "renewed" her focus, adding: "I'll be getting straight back to my email inbox and tackling local issues."