3rd July 2025
This week marks one year since Freddie van Mierlowas elected as the Member of Parliament for Henley and Thame. Reflecting on his first twelve months in Westminster, Freddie described it as "a whirlwind and a steep learning curve," but one that has only strengthened his commitment to public service and to the people he represents.
Since taking office, Freddie has made it a priority to be a visible and accessible representative. Over the past year, he has carried out more than 300 visits across the constituency, including school visits, meeting with local businesses, community groups, health professionals, farmers, and residents from every part of Henley and Thame.
In Parliament and on the ground, Freddie has worked hard to deliver meaningful progress on local priorities. He successfully secured initial government funding for repairs to Marsh Lock Bridge, protecting a vital and much-loved local route in Henley. After sustained lobbying, he also secured commitments from both Oxfordshire County Council and Buckinghamshire Council to move forward with the long-awaited Thame to Haddenham Greenway.
One of Freddie’s early parliamentary campaigns focused on the crisis in ADHD care. As a result of his work with families and clinicians, the local Integrated Care Board has now committed to reintroducing services for 18 to 25-year-olds, after a period during which no provision existed at all.
In Westminster, Freddie has consistently voted in line with his values and those of the people he represents. Over the past year, he voted in favour ofdecriminalising abortion, supported stronger action to prevent sewage dumping by water companies, and campaigned against the Government’s cut to the Winter Fuel Allowance.
As he begins his second year as MP, Freddie reaffirmed his determination to keep listening, keep learning, and keep delivering.
Commenting on the last year, Freddie said:
“It has been a huge honour to serve the people of Henley and Thame this past year. This is a place full of character, community and pride. Every conversation I have had, whether in a school, at a local business, or in a village hall, has helped guide my priorities and shape the work I do in Parliament. Over the next three years, I will keep working hard to deliver for our towns and villages and to make a real difference for the people who live here.”
