Hello Plymouth – from today onwards, I will be taking a few weeks off politics as I receive treatment for skin cancer.

The cancer diagnosis was a bit of a shock but thanks to our brilliant NHS I am being well looked after. I will be taking a few weeks to recover but hope to be back at work shortly.

Skin cancer cases are on the rise in the UK and so if you find a bump or lump, please go and get it checked out. I went to get a bump checked which was OK but while I was at my GP they found one of concern that turned out to be cancer. The earlier the diagnosis the more effective the treatment.

Parliament is on Easter recess so my attendance in Westminster won’t be affected but my treatment does mean I will miss Argyle playing at Wembley this weekend that I am gutted about.

My brilliant team will continue to help people while I am taking a step back for a short while and so if you live in Plymouth Sutton and Devonport please do continue to contact my office if you need help or support.