“Ready and Raring for 2026”: Alicia Kearns MP Reflects on Year of Local Battles and Personal Health Recovery

“Ready and Raring for 2026”: Alicia Kearns MP Reflects on Year of Local Battles and Personal Health Recovery

In an end-of-year report to her constituents, Alicia Kearns MP has laid out a defiant roadmap for 2026, following a year defined by high-stakes local campaigns and a significant personal health battle.

The MP for Rutland and Stamford revealed that while 2025 saw major legislative victories and the birth of her daughter, it was also marked by a "frustrating" period of ill health. Following the birth, Alicia Kearns was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism and liver complications. However, after being signed off by doctors three weeks ago, she declared herself "ready and raring" for the new year.

The past year was dominated by the fight to "Save Rutland" following Government proposals to abolish small unitary councils. Alicia Kearns presented a petition to Parliament with over 7,000 signatures and, despite the Government recently rejecting her amendment to protect Rutland’s ceremonial county status, she vowed the fight is not over.

"We now have to hope that another bill will come forward," Kearns stated. "I will continue to do all I can to make it clear that we are Rutlanders, and intend to stay as such."

Agriculture and food security remained at the forefront of the MP’s agenda. Highlights from 2025 included:

• Infrastructure Battles: Continued opposition to the Mallard Pass Solar Plant and National Grid’s 60km transmission line.

• Rural Crime: Co-laying amendments to toughen sentencing for the theft of high-value farming equipment.

• Fair Funding: Criticizing new funding allocations that see rural councils like Harborough facing real-terms cuts while urban centers receive significant increases.

Despite national challenges, several local projects reached fruition. The new £21 million Day Treatment Unit at Stamford and Rutland Hospital finally opened its doors, treating 140 people in its first week alone.

Improvements were also noted on the A1, with 13 central reservation crossings closed to improve safety, and the launch of a new on-demand bus service in Rutland. However, there was a blow for rail commuters; the MP confirmed that the pause in the Midlands Main Line electrification has effectively ended hopes for a trialed Sunday morning service between Leicester and Peterborough.

Alicia Kearns is wasting no time in the New Year, announcing her first Jobs Fair will take place on Friday, 23rd January 2026, at the Stamford Arts Centre (10am–2pm).

The event will showcase local opportunities ranging from engineering on the A1 corridor to social care and the fire service. "You’ll be amazed by the varied opportunities right here on our doorstep," she said.

A Year in Numbers:

• 38,000: Total complex casework issues handled since 2019.

• 12,400: Emails from residents regarding policy and advice in 2025.

• 1,026: Nominations for the Independent Shop Awards (winners to be announced Jan 2026).

• 40: Villages or streets that received broadband and mobile signal upgrades.

"My greatest privilege remains being able to support local families at what is often the most difficult time in your lives," Kearns concluded. "Thank you for all your support this year... it’s by no means been the easiest."