Dear Reader,

When Lewis Cocking became the newly elected MP for Broxbourne Borough, many residents were eager to know: what would he prioritise, and how would he tackle the mounting challenges our community faces? In our latest episode of Voices of Our Towns, I had the opportunity to sit down with MP Cocking for a frank and far-reaching conversation. We covered everything from traffic jams and bank closures to SEND provision and national immigration policy—all through the lens of how these issues impact real people right here in Broxbourne.

What follows is a deeper look at some of the key insights and commitments shared during our conversation, and why this moment might be a pivotal one for our borough.

The Traffic Troubles We All Know Too Well

Let’s start with something we’ve all experienced—traffic. MP Cocking didn’t mince words here. His frustration was palpable, and for good reason.

“It absolutely infuriates me,” he said. “You drive past roadworks and no one’s there. If it’s an emergency, just get it fixed as quickly as possible!”

Cocking’s target is clear: the utility companies. He’s on a mission to challenge the overuse of emergency powers that allow them to dig up roads with minimal oversight and no coordination. His goal? To end the chaos that often brings our borough to a standstill during school runs, work commutes, and everyday errands.

His plan involves holding these companies to account and pushing for stricter timelines and better coordination to minimize disruption. For residents who’ve waited endlessly in unmoving traffic, it’s a war that feels long overdue.

A Push for a Local Banking Hub

Cocking also revealed a more behind-the-scenes battle he's been fighting—securing a banking hub for Cheshunt.

In an era of digital banking, physical branches are disappearing fast. But for many residents and especially small businesses, face-to-face access to financial services is not a luxury—it’s a necessity.

“I asked a question in Parliament—my second ever Prime Minister’s Question—on this exact issue,” Cocking shared. “We need a place where people can access their money, apply for a mortgage, or talk about their pensions. And it needs to be local.”

While his meeting with the relevant minister was derailed by a resignation scandal, Cocking made it clear that the fight isn’t over. He’s continuing to lobby government for funding and support.

Backing the Backbone: Supporting Small Businesses

One of the strongest themes of our conversation was the economy—and more specifically, the small businesses that keep Broxbourne ticking.

Cocking painted a clear picture: from tradespeople to entrepreneurs, Broxbourne is brimming with individuals taking initiative. But they’re struggling under the weight of rising taxes, new employment regulations, and political uncertainty.

“It’s not the government or the council that drives growth,” he said. “It’s people who have an idea, take a risk, and build something.”

His suggestions to support them included practical measures like incentivizing successful entrepreneurs to return to schools and inspire the next generation, even suggesting tax breaks for those who help mentor future business leaders.

Cocking’s tone was both urgent and empathetic, acknowledging that without a thriving local economy, everyone suffers—especially when tax burdens rise without visible improvements in services.

SEND Provision: A Personal Mission

For many in Broxbourne, especially parents and carers of children with special educational needs (SEND), support often feels like an uphill battle.

Cocking's connection to this issue is deeply personal. “My brother and sister both have special educational needs,” he shared. “I understand more than most what families are going through.”

He acknowledged that while Hertfordshire has made progress, it's still one of the lowest-funded areas in the country for SEND provision. He’s actively lobbying the government to change that.

“No matter where a child is born in the UK, they should have access to the same level of support,” he said firmly. “We can’t keep ignoring this.”

Taking on Crime and Antisocial Behaviour

Another issue high on Cocking’s list is public safety. He’s been meeting with police and local leaders to address rising concerns about antisocial behaviour and crime.

“There needs to be more accountability,” he said, and he wasn’t afraid to suggest bold ideas. One such idea? Considering whether repeat offenders of antisocial behaviour should continue to receive council housing privileges.

“It may be low-level, but if someone’s making life hell for their neighbours every single day, that matters,” he argued.

Immigration: Balancing Local Needs and National Policy

One of the more sensitive topics we discussed was immigration. Cocking didn’t shy away, acknowledging it as the top concern he heard on doorsteps during his campaign.

He advocated for a points-based system similar to Australia's—one that supports the NHS with skilled immigration while placing stricter controls on general inflow. “Being able to live here is a privilege,” he said, “not an automatic right.”

At the same time, he emphasized the need to bring people who left the job market during the pandemic back into work. His stance? We must balance compassion with realism to ensure housing, schools, and NHS services aren’t overwhelmed.

Trains, Taxes, and Transparency

Cocking confirmed he voted against public ownership of rail services—but not because he’s happy with the status quo. He wants private companies to be more accountable and held to specific targets for performance.

“I’ve met with Greater Anglia’s top brass, and I’ve told them it’s not good enough,” he said. “You can’t charge people these prices and offer them five-coach trains at rush hour.”

On taxes, especially national insurance hikes, Cocking is firmly pro-growth. He believes many of the government’s recent moves could stunt local economic development.

Devolution and Local Government Reform

Cocking is no fan of the proposed local government reorganisation, which could merge Broxbourne with larger neighbouring districts.

“We’ve got the lowest council tax in the country,” he said. “That would go out the window. We’d be lumped into a super-council, and residents would have less say.”

He pledged to continue fighting to preserve Broxbourne’s autonomy and prevent a move that many fear will lead to higher costs and reduced service quality.

On Climate: Pragmatism Over Panic

As a trained geographer, Cocking made clear that he values the environment—but he’s sceptical of rushed targets and slogans like "climate emergency."

“Let’s take people with us,” he urged. “No one wants to destroy the environment, but we have to be realistic and economically responsible.”

He praised initiatives like solar panel rollouts across new developments and local schemes that encourage greener energy use, as long as they’re done sensibly and affordably.

Final Thoughts: A Leader on the Move

As we wrapped up, Cocking invited residents to meet him in person and mentioned his upcoming Older Person’s Fair in Cheshunt—one of many events he’s using to stay connected with constituents.

“Say hi when you see me,” he said. “I’m always up for a chat.”

It’s that openness, mixed with no-nonsense ambition, that came through most during our conversation. Whether you agree with all of his positions or not, one thing is certain—Lewis Cocking is stepping into his role as MP with energy, conviction, and a strong desire to represent the voices of Broxbourne.

And if this episode is any indication, we’ll be hearing a lot more from him in the months to come.

🎧 Listen to the full interview on the Voices of Our Towns podcast—available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts.

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Cheers,
Editor-in-chief | Emeka Ogbonnaya

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