Cornwall's newest MP has made her maiden speech in the House of Commons taking the opportunity to call for more support for coastal communities.

Cherilyn Mackrory, who was elected as Conservative MP for Truro and Falmouth in December, made her first speech during a debate about the Environment Bill yesterday.

In it, she paid tribute to her predecessor, Sarah Newton, and highlighted the best things about Truro and Falmouth.

She also spoke about her family and her fisherman husband and the need to provide support for people working on the coast.

And she told MPs about how she wants to ensure that Cornwall gets investment and "levelling up".

Cherilyn said:

"It is a true honour to be standing here today as the newly elected representative for Truro and Falmouth — a whirlwind for me and my little family, as I was a candidate only for five weeks before polling day. Cornwall, my adopted home — but to which my husband, my daughter and even my dog are native — has welcomed me warmly, and I would like to show my gratitude to my constituents by being a force for good in this role and a genuine help to all residents, regardless of how or whether they voted in December.

"I am happy to say that it is a pleasure to pay tribute to my predecessor. Sarah Newton entered this place in 2010 and has always been a staunch advocate for securing fairer funding for Cornwall. It is largely thanks to Sarah's efforts, along with her Cornish colleagues at the time, that we are now expecting a women and children's facility at the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro, along with a further £450 million for the NHS in Cornwall. Sarah also ensured a stable future for Falmouth docks for the first time in years.

"Sarah served as a minister in the Department for Work and Pensions and spoke passionately in this place several times in defence of the most vulnerable people in our society. Colleagues across the House have spoken very fondly of Sarah, paying tribute, particularly to her compassion and kindness. On this, I can concur. Having been a candidate for such a short time before my election, I have found her help invaluable. She even put me up for my first week in Parliament, and that is going above and beyond. I am sure that Members across the House will join me in wishing Sarah all the very best for her future endeavours."

The newly-elected MP then turned to her constituency and the best parts of Truro and Falmouth.

"I am very lucky to represent Truro and Falmouth. It is a fantastic constituency, from the beautifully rugged and windswept north coast to the equally beautiful rolling and gentle south coast—there are no favourites here. It makes the bulk of its fortunes from fishing, farming and tourism. However, we also have exciting emerging industries such as geothermal energy, lithium extraction, and the potential for floating offshore wind farms—not forgetting theatre, breweries, surfing, sailing, a thriving arts and food culture, campuses for two universities, and more besides.

"Falmouth was my first home when I came to Cornwall, and I can testify first hand as to why it regularly makes The Times "happiest places to live" lists. Last year, The Times described Falmouth as "as close as Britain gets to the California/Barcelona city-by-the-sea lifestyle". I would agree, except more so once it stops raining. It has not actually stopped raining since August.

"Falmouth boasts the third deepest natural harbour in the world after Sydney and Rio, which is why fishing and sailing exist alongside a healthy working dock—and that is so important to the economy. Cornwall has always been outward-looking and seafaring. Evidence of overseas trade exists as far back as the bronze age. In 1805, news of Britain's victory and Nelson's death at Trafalgar was landed at Falmouth and taken by stagecoach to London.

"Truro is Cornwall's only city. It is the base of Cornish local government, fantastic shopping, and, with the completion of the Hall for Cornwall later this year, also its centre for culture. The reopening of this hugely important establishment means that we can welcome over 200,000 people a year through its doors. It will also house space for creative start-ups. It is set to transform the centre of Truro, as well as being a game-changer for Cornwall as a whole."

Mrs Mackrory, who was a Cornwall councillor before she was elected to Parliament, then turned her attention to her family.

She said:

"My family is my inspiration—and by the way, I am lucky enough to have the best one of those as well. My mum and dad- Gordon and Olwyn Williams – and my big sisters have guided me through all my experiences and continue with their unending encouragement. It is the compassion that I have inherited from them that will drive me in my work in this place. My wonderful husband, Nick, is endlessly patient, and his determination for work defies belief for most people; and we have our precious daughter Chloe, whose future I want to help make the happiest it can be. I love them all, and I could not be doing this without their unwavering support. This is a definite team effort.

"I am the wife of a hook-and-line fisherman with an under-10 metre vessel. When he rings to say that he is still an hour away from safety and the weather has taken a turn for the worse that was not forecasted, I can tell you now that the dread is palpable. We need to champion our small boats in any fishing deal that is coming our way. Their job is precarious enough. We need to support our coastal communities to brave the elements and thrive in the 21st century. There are opportunities on the horizon, and we need to grab them with both hands and bring them home."

The MP then made some comments relevant to the Environment Bill including a need to reduce single-use plastic before then stating what she hopes to do for Cornwall.

She said:

"The Cornish are innovative, bold, and incredibly capable. It is my job to make sure that Cornwall gets the investment, the levelling up of funding and a fair chance so that my constituents and our children have the opportunity to swim, not sink. There is so much for Cornwall and the great South West to be ambitious about. My constituents are determined, driven, and by far the most adaptable people I have met, and it will be my job to help make sure that we are ambitious for the future."