DESPITE several moments where the new Dunfermline and Dollar MP has had to "pinch himself" after being elected, Labour's Graeme Downie says he is already working hard to deliver for his constituents.
The West Fife villages councillor spoke to the Press from his new Westminster surroundings after a busy fortnight since he won his seat in the UK Parliament with an 8,000-plus majority.
Since the results were announced after 5am at the count, a whirlwind of events have included being sworn in as an MP in the House of Commons, a trip to Downing Street, and the King's Speech.
"There are several moments of having to pinch yourself, it has been pretty incredible," he said.
"It is also like setting up a small business. You have to hire staff, find your office, all these things first as well as doing your job as representing the people in your constituency.
"There has been the induction here. The House of Commons staff have been fantastic and helping us getting used to all the things that you must do or must not do.
READ MORE: Labour’s Graeme Downie is new MP for Dunfermline and Dollar
"Making sure the behaviour of members is as it should be and all the other things that go along with it. It has been a lot to take in.
"I have managed to get my feet on the ground to start delivering. It has been fascinating."
As part of getting work underway to help communities in Dunfermline and Dollar, Downie has tabled his first written questions to Parliament asking for updates on key issues affecting the areas which he now serves.
He has asked for an update on a review of Mineworkers' Pension Scheme, for an update on a Government contract for six new Royal Marine boats, and asked for an update on the delivery of £5m in Levelling Up funding previously awarded to Dunfermline.
"I have also had a meeting with NFU Scotland and am looking after rural parts of West Fife and the Dollar area," he commented.
"All the things I spoke about, I am trying to begin on them right away.
"I am trying to tick off my various boxes around Dunfermline city, the dockyard and rural jobs. That was the priority before the campaign and I have started and I will continue on this."
While much of the last two weeks has been spent in Westminster, Downie is working to ensure he has a visible presence in Dunfermline and Dollar.
READ MORE: Labour win seats across Fife and Clacks
"I am looking for an office," he stated.
"I am not allowed say yet where I am looking but I am hoping to get an office in the centre of the city.
"For me, I am also trying to make sure my family is as up to date with what I am doing as well. I am doing video calls with them sitting on the terrace trying to call them to make sure that they are involved.
"I will be based in the constituency. I am not moving down so largely I will be down when parliament is sitting. I will probably be down here during the week Monday to Friday depending on the house sitting then out and about in the constituency."
Downie plans, for the time being, to continue in his role as councillor for the West Fife and Coastal Villages, however he has stepped down from his additional roles on the council.
"I have already messaged the chief executive to make sure I will not be paid for that role," he said.
"I will continue doing it for the moment. I will take some time to sort it out. I don't want paid for it. I will carry on with the councillor duties at the same time.
"I immediately, on the Friday morning of the election I think, resigned as health spokesperson because that was too much to do. It was not appropriate for me to continue.
"The rest has carried on as normal."
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