The new MP for Didcot and Wantage, Olly Glover, has completed his first major parliamentary milestone as he gave his first speech.

Speaking in the House of Commons on Monday, July 22, Olly began by praising the work of his predecessor, David Johnston.

He then revealed that the first email he received congratulating him on his win came from Ed (now Lord) Vaizey, who was MP for the area between 2005 and 2019.

Olly also welcomed the constituency’s change of name but mentioned that this still ignored the importance of Wallingford to the area.

READ MORE: Westminster behind the scenes with new Didcot and Wantage MP

He went on to mention many of the smaller localities, including Grove, Uffington, Steventon, and The Hanneys, as well as the science centres of Culham, Milton Park, and Harwell.

Olly also raised the major issues affecting residents, such as the cost of housing, the lack of NHS dentistry, and problems getting a GP surgery established in Great Western Park.

“I am hugely grateful for the opportunity to represent the Didcot and Wantage constituency. In my maiden speech, I sought to pay tribute to the towns of Didcot, Wantage and Wallingford, our villages, the diverse economy of our area, and its rich volunteering and campaigning culture,” he concluded.

“I commit to working hard for all of our communities during the course of my term in Parliament.”

READ MORE: Lib Dem MP Olly Glover speaks for first time after seat win

Olly Glover praised his predecessor David Johnston in the speech.Olly Glover praised his predecessor David Johnston in the speech. (Image: Newsquest)

It has been far from easy though for Olly as he received a Section 21 eviction notice the morning he was elected.

“Although my landlords acted within the contract, I’d had no prior warning or discussion with them that they were planning to retire or sell their property.

“It therefore was totally unexpected, and a complete shock, on a morning when I was exhausted from the previous 24 hours and was just starting to process having been elected.

“Time is a healer, and now that the key initial period of Parliament sitting is coming to an end for the summer recess, I will have the time I need to find my next place to live.”

READ MORE: David Johnston loses seat as Olly Glover and Lib Dems win Didcot and Wantage

Olly Glover at Westminster.Olly Glover at Westminster. (Image: Olly Glover)

Olly believes that change is needed with the renting system in the UK, revealing that he was informed of the news by letter.

“I have no issue with my landlords, it’s more about the system. I of course understand that landlords need to have the freedom to make choices about their property. For me, it’s more about the how than the what,” he said.

“I’ve lived here for four years and paid a lot of money in rent.

“Rather than finding a letter in my mailbox, as a minimum, an in-person conversation, where the landlord explains their plans, asks me what mine are, and at least explores if something mutually convenient can be arranged, before issuing a Section 21 notice, would have been an improvement.

READ MORE: Henley turns Lib Dem for the first time in 114 YEARS

Olly Glover won the Didcot and Wantage seat in the election.Olly Glover won the Didcot and Wantage seat in the election. (Image: Newsquest)

“Perhaps more regulation is needed to ensure that such dialogue happens as standard.”

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