About
I’m Michelle Donelan and I have been a Member of Parliament locally for over nine years and now an election has been called I am once again seeking re-election.
Here are the answers to questions I often get:
Where do you live?
I live in the constituency in a village between Melksham and Devizes with my husband, son, dog and two cats.
Why has the constituency you are standing for changed names?
Following a review of the current constituencies, my seat splits into two. I will be standing in the new 'Melksham and Devizes' constituency, which includes Bradford on Avon, Melksham, Devizes, Calne South and all of the villages in between.
What profession did you work in before politics?
I worked in the media and entertainment industry, having started my career in Australia for Pacific Magazines, and then going on to work for The History Channel. I later worked for WWE as an International Marketing Communications Manager – this proves a bit too popular in the democracy workshops I run in local schools!
I also did a great deal of voluntary work and am a passionate believer in the importance of the charity sector and nurturing community spirit.
Do you have a political family?
People often say that getting into politics is about who you know, but I think my experience is proof that this is certainly not the case.
I went to a state school and was the first in my family to attend University. Whilst my family were not especially political, they helped instil my work ethic and sense of civic duty.
Why did you enter politics?
Creating opportunities is something I am truly passionate about – it is the reason why I entered politics, and it was the theme of my Maiden Speech in Parliament in 2015.
I believe an MP’s job should be to knock down barriers, open doors and create opportunities for all.
I have always believed in people - but we need to ensure everyone has the choices and chances to succeed. I want to help make this a reality for all – a country where there is not just a safety net to catch those who fall, but also ladders out to help people thrive, no matter what background they come from.
I am passionate about our community and country.
What is your approach like to being an MP?
I believe MPs should be approachable and accessible which is why each year I have a stand at all the village, town, and school fetes that I can get to.
I hold democracy workshops in local schools almost every school week. I also regularly have a stand in supermarkets so I can help those who would never dream of proactively contacting their MP.
I organise 'Meet Michelle' events so residents can get help. This is on top of my conventional MP surgeries, and I also knock on doors all year round. In the last year alone, I have done over 10,000 pieces of casework.
To me being an MP is about being visible, helping local groups, charities, improving our area, being a strong voice for our community and seeking out those who need help rather than waiting for them to come to me.
I also seek regular feedback to ensure I am doing the very best I can - read some residents comments here:
"She continues to improve the lives for the better and concentrates not only on organisations but individuals - she is there for the person that isn't seen and the person that doesn't have a voice."
Deedee from Melksham
“When she became our MP and I was Chairman of Lacock Parish Council we had various issues and I either saw her or emailed her and she was always ready to help in any way possible and she resolved a number of these issues for us.”
Chris Doel, local farmer
“Michelle is like a Rottweiler, once she has her teeth into a bit of casework, she does not stop until she gets a result. 10/10 Thoroughly agree that Michelle is excellent!”
Terry from Chippenham
“Thanks to Michelle Donelan for assisting with solving various problems with my housing association. I wouldn’t have received a resolution without her help and I’m very grateful.”
Barbara from Corsham
"Michelle is extremely supportive of our community work here in Bradford on Avon and strives to help us in any way she can."
Becky from Bradford on Avon
What Ministerial roles have you done?
In my time in Parliament, I served on the Education Select Committee for three years, and entered the Government in the Whips Office in 2018.
I then spent three years in the Department of Education, first as Children and Families Minister, then Minister of State for Universities. In 2021 I was promoted to Higher and Further Education Minister attending cabinet in 2021, and was sworn into the Privy Council.
In 2022 I was made the Secretary of State for Digital Culture Media and Sport.
Since 2023 I have served as Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology. This department didn’t exist before, so I set it up from scratch.
Did being a minister make it harder to represent your constituency?
No - being a minister meant I had a better understanding of how to get things done and more access on a regular basis to fellow ministers to make our local case and push local causes.
What do you want to do for our community?
Improve GP access and strengthen our NHS – I have been working with the Secretary of State for Health on initiatives to tackle GP shortages in market towns like ours. I shall always fight for more investment into our NHS so it is not only safeguarded but also improved.
Passionately champion our community – the last few years have been unprecedented but I have always put our community first. I will continue to be accessible, approachable and hardworking. I regularly organise local events to help residents such as debt advice workshops, over-55’s events & Crime Forums, the list goes on. I hold surgeries in supermarkets, cafes, pubs, village halls plus my closed appointments. I also have stands at fetes and carnivals – all to be as accessible as possible.
Education and schools – I will build on my successful campaign for more money, Wiltshire Primary schools will get at least £4,000 per pupil and Secondary Schools £5,000 per pupil. I will also make improving SEND provision a priority.
Standing up for veterans and our Armed Forces– Our Armed Forces are vital, and it is only right that they get the best equipment when serving, and the best care once they retire. We have recently allocated a £2.7 million boost to veterans' mental health services, and will increase the overall defence budget substantially. I will always stand up for greater investment in our Armed Forces.
Visible, effective policing – I have organised several crime forums across the constituency and anti-social behaviour plus a lack of police presence repeatedly came up. I have pushed for more bobbies on the beat in our towns and villages and will ensure that Wiltshire gets it’s fair share of the 20,000 extra police officers.
Standing up for our public services and our businesses – from campaigning for fairer funding in our schools, tackling homelessness, standing up for the self-employed, and young families and our NHS, I will continue to deliver results for you.
What do you do in your spare time?
I don’t get very much spare time, but when I do I love spending time with my little boy playing and taking my beautiful dog Bella for walks across our stunning Wiltshire countryside.