New Wellingborough MP uses maiden speech to encourage tourism

Gen Kitchen made her maiden speech in Parliament a month after she was elected

The new MP for Wellingborough has used her maiden speech in Parliament to encourage more visitors to her constituency.

Labour's Gen Kitchen overturned a majority of 18,540 in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, last month.

She took the Wellingborough seat from Conservative Peter Bone, who was ousted following a recall petition.

The 28-year-old MP said would "bang the drum" for the area and wanted boost its tourism.

She said the constituency was "steeped in history" and praised the events such as the Waendel Walk.

Ms Kitchen said the speech was to "essentially launch the 'Visit Wellingborough' campaign".

After her by-election win Gen Kitchen was welcomed to the House of Commons by Sir Keir Starmer

The MP also praised charities in her constituency, including Off the Streets NN and the Victoria Centre in Wellingborough.

She said: "Wellingborough is not just a constituency, but a tapestry of diverse voices, experiences and aspiration.

"From the streets of our market towns to the tranquil countryside that surrounds [them], each corner of the constituency tells a story of resilience, ingenuity and community spirit.

"I pledge to honour, protect and champion this rich tapestry with every ounce of my being."

Speaking about her predecessor, Ms Kitchen said Mr Bone was "highly visible" in Parliament and an "experienced campaigner".