Caroline Voaden reflects on a year of change and shares her Devon priorities for 2026

As we reach the end of the year, it feels like a good time to reflect on some of the things I have been working on as your MP and what is likely to happen early next year.

In just the last month in Westminster, I’ve spoken on a wide range of issues from the budget to the climate crisis, digital ID and problems with the DWP.

As a Liberal Democrat MP my role, and that of my colleagues, is to raise concerns about legislation the Government is passing and call for adjustments, or frankly a rethink where we believe they have got things wrong.

Our party has had some big successes this year, including a government commitment to alter how domestic abusers are sentenced to prevent them from being eligible for early release. But despite this progress, we are under no illusions about the scale of the challenges before us.

Over a year into office, Labour is failing to tackle the thorny issues they inherited. And with the Conservatives battling Reform for their very survival, the Liberal Democrats’ role in holding the government to account has never been more vital.

We will get yet another opportunity to do this early next year when the government presents its long-awaited reforms to special, educational needs and disabilities (SEND). As the recently appointed Schools Spokesperson for the party, I have been listening to families and teachers about what they are hoping to see.

Recently, I joined our party leader Ed Davey at a roundtable of parents whose children have SEND. Their stories were shocking and painted a system that is not only fundamentally broken but seems almost designed to traumatise parents and
their children.

When the government first mooted reforms to the SEND system, the Education Secretary hinted they may scrap Education, Health and Care Plans - legally binding documents that are meant to ensure a child or young person with SEND gets the
support they need from their local authority.

Having listened to parents and campaign groups, I can say with absolute certainty that this idea terrifies them. It’s vital that reforms are designed with children and families at their core, not merely focused on saving money.

For weeks now we have been waiting for South West Water to appear before Exeter Magistrates Court on charges related to the cryptosporidium outbreak in the Brixham area in May last year. This looks likely to happen next Spring.

We’ve waiting a long time for this case, and I hope that through the proceedings we will get the answers to many questions that still linger around this outbreak. 2026 will be a significant year for SWW, with the company’s new CEO Keith Haslett beginning his tenure in January. I hope he can turn the company around after so many years of failing under the leadership of Susan Davy.

Fishing also faces a significant time next year after an incredibly turbulent time for the industry. Having spoken to many fishers, I know how nervous some are about another octopus bloom occurring next spring after decimating the catch of several crabbers this year.

I am in conversation with industry leaders and government figures about what support could be offered should this happen. I will also be keeping a close eye on how the £360m Coastal Growth Support Fund is distributed next March.

This fund was partly set up after the government granted EU fleets access to UK waters for a further 12 years, so it is vital this money is shared fairly and used to support the industry.

I’m excited too about the launch of the Pride in Place funding programme which will see a 10-year investment in Kings Ash and Collaton St Mary. We are beginning work on forming a team to represent local communities, so they can have a genuine say in what will benefit their areas and deliver lasting impact.

There’s no doubt 2025 has been a busy year. In my first full 12 months as your MP, my team and I have assisted nearly 11,000 constituents. I am proud of what we have achieved so far, but I know there is much more work to do. I am looking forward to 2026 and building on the progress we have made.

I wish you all a Happy Christmas and a peaceful and rewarding 2026.