THE new MP for Barry, Labour’s Kanishka Narayan has indicated what his priorities are as he fights for Barry in the vaulted and vast halls of Westminster while he also hinted the £20m partnership is very much alive and active.

You might not have heard a lot about where the £20m levelling up funds are going to be spent and what the latest is on ‘the partnership’s’ plans (if you remember; as part of the requirements to spend the £20m in the previous Conservative government’s levelling up project, a ‘partnership’, being chaired by insurance giant Admiral co-founder David Stevens, had to be formed).

Well, the partnership is working away at working out where this money should be spent – on one the themes of ‘regeneration, high streets and heritage; tackling anti-social behaviour, improving safety and security; and improving connectivity’.

Mr Narayan confirmed when speaking to the B&D after his first week in Westminster, having wrestled the Vale seat off Tory Alun Cairns, he had been present at one of the partnership’s meetings - on July 16 - saying it is “going to be a positive part of Barry”.

Ex-chief or insurance giant Admiral chairs 'the partnership'Ex-chief of insurance giant Admiral chairs 'the partnership' (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Narayan also spoke about his vision and where he wants to concentrate his efforts as he fights for Barry at Westminster.

“The first week went really well,” said Mr Narayan. “It has been a bit confusing working my way round all the corridors of parliament and working out all the traditions and rules.”

Kanishka Narayan the new MP for the ValeKanishka Narayan the new MP for the Vale (Image: Newsquest)

Narayan has been busy since becoming the new MP fro the ValeNarayan has been busy since becoming the new MP fro the Vale (Image: Supplied)

Narayan wrestled the seat off Cairns who had to make a losing speech on GE nightNarayan wrestled the seat off Cairns who had to make a losing speech on GE night (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Narayan explained who is top of his priority list to be supported.

“What I want to achieve for Barry and the Vale? I want to focus on bringing green jobs to the county, to create well paying jobs to help get people out of the cost-of-living crisis.

“I want to focus on tackling child poverty in the Vale.

“I also want to create safe neighbourhoods, bringing together local and national policy to tackle crime.

“I also want to give community organisations the support they deserve.”

Narayan has plans for community groups as well as Holton Road and he mentioned the partnership's £20m levelling up bidNarayan has plans for community groups as well as Holton Road and he mentioned the partnership's £20m levelling up bid (Image: Google Maps)

Those organisations include food banks, veteran groups, youth groups and churches.

Mr Narayan also said he had time to focus on regenerating the high street – particularly talking about Holton Road.

With the list already this long, he’s going to be a busy MP.

Got a story in Barry? Email harry.jamshidian@newsquest.co.uk.