Looking ahead to positive change

BY PAISLEY AND RENFREWSHIRE SOUTH MP JOHANNA BAXTER

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Targeting May Johanna Baxter MP is hoping for Labour success at this year's Scottish Parliament elections

The new year has arrived and I hope that everyone across Paisley and Renfrewshire South has had a peaceful and happy festive season.

As I return to Westminster this week for the first time this year, I want to reflect on some of the substantial achievements brought in throughout the last 12 months by our UK Labour Government - and to look ahead to some of the positive change coming in 2026.

2025 was a busy year for Paisley and Renfrewshire South, and I was glad to spend so much of it championing our local communities - from supporting grassroots sport by helping Thorn Athletic secure the funding they needed to upgrade their facilities to lobbying ministers for further protections for local employers impacted by the cyber-attack on Jaguar Land Rover.

As the year ended, I was more than proud to learn that the wonderful team at Paisley Pie Company, who I nominated for the Food and Drink Federation's MP’s Choice Award, had been named as Scotland's finalist in the competition.

Local, family-run businesses like theirs are what keep our high street going and are part of what makes our area so special.