Since first being elected to Parliament in 2001, Mark has kept up a regular pattern of twice monthly constituency surgeries, at which constituents can come to see him and discuss their problems in confidence and seek his help and advice. Each surgery normally lasts for around 3 hours and usually comprises a number of appointments. During these sessions Mark has dealt with a variety of issues ranging from housing problems and benefits advice, through to immigration issues and policing matters.
Mark then seeks to follow up on these issues early the following week, when he returns to Westminster and most constituents who have been to see him at a surgery usually receive a letter from him within several days of attending. Speaking about his ‘250th Anniversary Surgery’ Mark Francois said:
“Since I began holding regular Saturday morning surgeries 11 years ago, I have kept a running total of how many sessions I have held and I will clock up my 250th surgery session on the 12th May. During these sessions I have literally met several thousand people and while I am not a miracle worker I have genuinely done my best to help those constituents who have come to see me. In the course of 11 years I have dealt with some extremely difficult and challenging cases, right through to a few which were even bizarre. Most of the surgeries are either full or very nearly full and so I will continue providing this service to my constituents in the future”.
Anyone wishing to see Mark at one of his regular constituency surgeries should telephone the constituency office on 01268 742044 to make an appointment.