New Prime Minister Andy Burnham writes a column for Wigan Today talking about his first days in No 10 and what issues took him there

It was really special to see some familiar faces from our area as I prepared to step behind the black door for the first time.

More than anything, I’m proud that in the first week I’ve begun delivering on commitments I made to you during the by-election campaign.

I knew before standing to be your MP how these issues have held back too many people in our towns.

But it was conversations with you all that proved to me just how urgently change needs to come. Thank you.

After a long day on the campaign trail back in May, I stepped into the Holt Arms in Billinge.

Ian, the brilliant owner, poured me a cold pint of Guinness. There, I chatted with residents, colleagues, and Ian himself and heard how hard times had been for his pub, as well as those all over the country.

With rising costs and overheads, it was becoming harder and harder to keep the doors open, the lights on, and the kegs full.

On average, two pubs in the UK close every day. Sadly, we can’t reverse the clock and bring back some of the treasured watering holes we have already lost.

But we can do a bit more to support those who continue to serve their communities.

Because these closures don’t just mean fewer places for people to gather. They mean the loss of community and heritage.

I’m proud to have stepped in by giving pubs, clubs and music venues a 20 per cent cut to their business rates bills.

I know that people in our towns are working harder than ever just to stand still.

The truth is, Westminster hasn’t been doing enough to help.

I have heard from you all how every bill just seems to go up and up, with nothing left over at the end of the month to go out for a nice tea, have a drink, or go on holiday.

Well, we don’t have to accept that, and I won’t.

Before I entered 10 Downing Street, I promised that this government would do something to give people some breathing space now.

That’s what taking VAT off your electricity bill will do.

It’s not the whole solution – but it’s a start. It means money back in your pocket now, while we get on with the bigger job of bringing the cost of living down for good.

For too long, decision-making power has remained in London, away from the lives and realities of ordinary people looking to get on.

That’s why I was so excited to officially open No10 North.

More than just a building, it will be the hub of our work to push power into communities, put power back where it belongs, and finally rebalance the way our country is governed.

The measures announced this week will help, but I know they won’t solve every problem.

Later this year, we’ll lay out a 10-year plan to bring down the cost of living, help young people into work and build more council homes.

As always, whatever the issue, however you voted, get in touch if you need.

This was a big week but my number one job will be as your MP, and I answer to you.