Watford's MP is looking to support local businesses by working shifts with them to better understand how they run.
Dean Russell is launching a new initiative, dubbed 'Get Dean on Your Team', in a bid to help the town's traders and build a relationship with them.
It comes as non-essential shops across the borough lifted their shutters for the first time since March following the coronavirus lockdown.
Whether businesses want Mr Russell's help with serving pizzas, changing tyres or pouring pints, he is keen to get involved.
Mr Russell said: "One of the most common criticisms of MPs is that they lack an understanding of what is truly taking place in their local area. I campaigned on a pledge to be a community driven, hard-working and constituency focused MP.
"I am conscious that to truly represent the whole of Watford- especially businesses and workers, it is important I spend time doing shifts with as many businesses as possible. So I am excited to launch ‘Get Dean on Your Team'.
“Since lockdown started, I have been working with our town’s businesses on a daily basis. From helping them secure financial support to advising them on adapting to government guidance.
"As we carefully come out of lockdown in a safe and measured way, it is important we support local businesses and shine a light on the incredible work they do as part of the fabric of our community- both economically and socially.
"That’s why I want to give a helping hand to promote local businesses and go behind the scenes to see where I can help as an MP too."
Mr Russell said that he will continue to remain active in Parliament and across Watford while working in shops.
The MP has also backed the Watford Observer's campaign to help local businesses recover from the financial impact of the coronavirus lockdown.
Mr Russell called for residents to get behind local businesses and support them in a safe manner.
Meanwhile, Mr Russell said that his "ambition" is to "transform mental health provision in our town".
He said: "We are well underway with our preparations to train mental health first aiders across our schools, workplaces and community.
"We have already met with local charities to identify how we can achieve our goal of training 1,000 mental health first aiders across Watford.”
If you want Mr Russell to work for you, email [email protected]
