Since the passing of the General Election nearly three months ago, the political landscape in Scotland has dramatically shifted.

Changes in Westminster have placed much focus on the new policies, new MPs and new stories already occupying national headlines.

For Inverclyde, however, recent announcements have forced locals to cast their minds back to commitments made to them by the previous UK Government.

Just before the General Election, there were concerns that a change in administration may jeopardise Inverclyde’s access to the £20 million Levelling Up funding which was supposed to be used to transform our town centre. These fears have now proven to be justified as the new UK Government has refused to rule out withdrawing this much needed money.

Throughout the past year, I have done my best to highlight and act on the many issues associated with investment throughout Inverclyde. Greenock has seen some particularly challenging months as of late, with the closure of several large employers and an uptick of retail crime threatening high streets across Inverclyde.

This is not to mention the Scottish Government’s refusal to further invest in the Ferguson Marine shipyard so that it can upgrade and modernise, allowing the yard to become more competitive in attracting new work and lucrative contracts.

Recent developments have shown that Greenock and Inverclyde have the potential to become a major hub for investment in the west of Scotland despite these challenges.

In my Tele column last month, I celebrated the inclusion of Inverclyde into the UCI World Cycling Championships and the anticipated opening of the new visitor complex which will greet international tourists arriving from the Ocean Terminal in Greenock.

To build on these successes, Inverclyde needs to continue to show companies and new employers that the region could be a hub for growth, industry, and tourism in the west of Scotland.

It is crucial that the new Labour government makes an unwavering commitment to grant the £20 million Levelling Up funding promised to Inverclyde by the Conservatives as soon as possible.

I was glad to read in the Tele that Inverclyde’s new MP is working to convince the Labour Government to maintain Inverclyde’s Levelling Up funding and to prioritise the region for upcoming public development projects.

I wish him well in these efforts and will do my part in helping to attract more investment, employment and infrastructure improvements to Inverclyde wherever possible.