Every month the Stray Ferret tries to find out what our local MPs have been up to in their constituencies and in the House of Commons.

Parliament is currently on recess, so none of our local MPs have voted or made any spoken contributions in the Commons this month. 

In August, riots broke out across England and Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the autumn Budget will be “painful”.

Last month, we interviewed Conservative MPs Julian Smith and Sir Alec Shelbrooke about their first few weeks back in Parliament.

Here’s what we know after analysing our MPs’ online presence.

Tom Gordon, Liberal Democrat - Harrogate and Knaresborough

Business

Mr Gordon has visited several local businesses this month.

• He visited Harrogate Homeless Project on August 2. Mr Gordon said on social media he found out more about the "invaluable work" the charity does. 
  
• Mr Gordon was invited to the opening of 65 Degrees café, in Harrogate’s Westminster Arcade. “I am sure the soufflé pancakes will remain a firm favourite of mine”, he said.
• He also raised concerns about Knaresborough Post Office’s relocation. He said it is “very disappointing” and described the plans as “half-baked”.
• He also met the chief executive of Harrogate and District Community Action this month, as well as members of the Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce.

Environment

• Mr Gordon has been vocal about his concerns over the quality of the River Nidd. He met with David Clayden, chair of Nidd Action Group, to discuss the issue.
• Yorkshire Water faces a £47 million following an Ofwat investigation into sewage spills, which Mr Gordon said was a “damning indictment on the state of our rivers”.
• The MP also ventured across the area on his constituency summer tour.

Community

• Besides being an MP, Mr Gordon appears to be a ‘Swiftie’ – the name given to fans of Taylor Swift. He attended her concert and announced himself a member of the fan group.
• Mr Gordon said twice on X, formerly Twitter, he took part in a Park Run – once even clocking his “best time of the year”.

The Stray Ferret contacted Mr Gordon for comment, but we did not receive a response at the time of publication.

Sir Alec Shelbrooke, Conservative – Wetherby and Easingwold

Community

Mr Shelbrooke, who was appointed shadow transport minister, started August by wishing his social media followers a Happy Yorkshire Day. He also:

• Wrote a letter to parish and town councils of residents likely to be affected by the proposed increase of the Aldwark Bridge toll fee. If approved, it would be increased from 40p to £1 per crossing, with a gradual increase to £1.40 over a 10-year period. Mr Shelbrooke encouraged constituents to share their views on the proposal.
• Mr Shelbrooke congratulated students on their exam results and advised A-Level students on how to enquire about clearing at universities.
• Mr Shelbrooke held his ‘MP market surgery’. 

Health

In his previous seat, Mr Shelbrooke spent a lot of time campaiging for endometriosis and women’s health in schools.

• In August, he shared a BBC news story about women now receiving payouts if they have been harmed by vaginal mesh.
• He also encouraged people to visit his website to learn more about his work to improve women’s health.

The Stray Ferret contacted Mr Shelbrooke for comment, but we did not receive a response at the time of publication. 

Sir Julian Smith, Conservative – Skipton and Ripon

Politics

Mr Smith met several local political figures in August. 

• On August 28, Mr Smith met North Yorkshire Council chief executive, Richard Flinton, and council leader Carl Les. They discussed affordable housing, how the council is using the benefits of the second home premium and growth.
• Mr Smith also met Labour mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith. On his website, he said he wanted to make Mr Skaith “aware of the challenges people in our constituency face”.
• Mr Smith also visited the Kilnsey Show, the Craven Museum and Skipton Beer Engine.
  

The Stray Ferret approached him for comment, but we did not receive a response.