It is a common myth that MPs have ludicrously long holidays. Parliament went into recess last week. With the exception of two weeks in September, MPs will not return for two and a half months.

But, Parliament not sitting is not the same thing as MPs not working.

I can’t speak for others, but I’m not taking any time off in August. I will be cracking on with a range of things relating to my responsibilities outside of Westminster, including:

• Working on a paper to submit to the local government finance review relating to the funding formula – making the case for a fairer deal in Elmbridge and Surrey, given the level of taxes we pay.
• Liaising with councillors, GPs and schools about implementation of the government’s NHS and schools reforms.
• Preparing a pamphlet on counter-terrorism strategy for a think-tank.
• Erika and I are liaising with local charities to see what we can do to help deliver the ‘Big Society’ agenda.
• And I will be speaking at six open, town-hall style, public meetings across the constituency – so residents have an opportunity to grill me on anything they like.