In 2020, Jonathan and his Staffordshire colleagues started a petition signed by over 1000 people calling for the re-opening of the Stoke to Leek line, presenting this formally to the House of Commons.
In October 2023, when the Chancellor announced that the government would reopen the line, Jonathan was delighted that his campaigning efforts had paid off.
It will see passenger services to be restored for the first time since the 1950s, helping grow the local economy, supporting jobs and businesses by creating a direct link between the city centre and the town of Leek - improving rail connectivity right here in Stoke-on-Trent North.
This investment is just one example of how Stoke-on-Trent North, Kidsgrove and Talke will benefit from part of the £36 billion for transport infrastructure redirected from the cancellation of the Manchester to Birmingham HS2 line by the previous Conservative government.