Labour's Michelle Scrogham has had a busy first week as Barrow's newly elected MP.
She was among the many new faces to pile in at Westminster after Labour secured a landslide victory in the general election on July 4.
Mrs Scrogham achieved 44 per cent of the vote after more than 42,000 ballots were cast in the rejigged constituency which gave her a majority of more than 5,000.
READ MORE: New MP for Morecambe and Lunesdale
Her win is particularly historic for Barrow and Furness as she is the first woman to be elected for the region.
Speaking to The Mail after arriving back from London where she travelled with her team, her mum and fellow MP Peter Dowd, she said: "I'm going to have to learn to pack better.
"I've been living out of a suitcase this week and it's been so busy.
"I think everyone's heads are spinning with new information. There's been plenty of inductions, a lot of learning on top of what we usually do and a lot to take care of on the legal side of things.
"The training sessions have been really well put together however but I feel sorry for the staff at Westminster as there's so many newcomers and new names to learn."
(Image: Newsquest) "There have been many highlights this week - the congratulations I've received from the people of Barrow have just been incredible.
"Listening to Keir Starmer's speech was also very emotional along with Angela Rayner outlining what she wants to deliver for ordinary people."
Last week, the Ashton-under-Lyne MP became deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for the re-named 'Ministry of Housing, Local Government and Communities'.
Mrs Scrogham added: "Housing is such an important issue for Barrow and people are desperate to get on the housing ladder - and to live in a place where they feel safe and secure.
"When you're trying to get into power, it is a huge weight that you carry and it feels lifted now we're in a position to turn things around.
"With the majority, we're back to serving people who have elected us and we're all about very sensible policies that people care about - as Keir said, it's country first, party second.
ground running
"We have such a good set of industry in Barrow-in-Furness and I've already met its biggest employer, BAE, today to hit the ground running.
"I, along with other Cumbrian MPs, have sent a joint letter to the Secretary of State for Transport to back investment to secure the future of our Cumbrian Coastline.
"I'm very eager to address some things that previously may have been left off the list with issues such as poverty.
"I was very pleased with what the Police, Fire, and Crime Commissioner said about extra policing for areas such as Ulverston and Barrow as this wasn't just promised, it has now been delivered.
"Anti-social behaviour is something I really want to tackle too, particularly in the town centre.
"People have wanted change and have given us their support - now it's time to deliver."
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