Esther McVey: What an amazing 2012 it has been

Jan 2 2013

WHAT a tremendous  year 2012  has been, what with  the Olympic Torch  coming to Wirral, creating a memorable  and historic day with  thousands of people lining the  route of the torch on a glorious  sunny day, culminating in a  spectacular event in Birkenhead Park.

That was followed in September by the Ladies Open Golf  Championship and despite the  wind and the rain the event  was attended by thousands of  people from all over the world  and was a massive success, and  in 2014 Wirral will be again be  host to the Open Golf Championship, endorsing Wirral's credentials as a golf capital.

2012 has been a busy year for  me and the Wirral West team  working on your behalf, dealing with over 10,000 letters and  emails, meeting with lots of  organisations and community  groups and constituents at my  five monthly surgeries and I  don’t see that workload changing – I’m here to work as your  representative in Parliament.

Whilst my priority will always be Wirral West I was also  delighted to have been promoted to a ministerial role at  the Department for  Work and Pensions being given the important role as Minister for  Disabled People. 

One of the key messages given to me by  disabled people was  that they often feel 'invisible' many people not seeing  how much they contribute to  society; however, those perceptions were radically altered by  the London 2012 Paralympics.  I  want to drive forward an  agenda that includes all disabled groups; working together  I believe we can achieve some  amazing outcomes.

2013 is set to be a busy year as  well - but can I begin it by  wishing everyone a happy,  healthy and memorable year  ahead.