The Banbury MP will lead the parliamentary group in raising awareness of multiple sclerosis and campaigning for people affected by the condition.

Banbury MP Sean Woodcock has been elected chair of Parliament’s All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Banbury MP Sean Woodcock has been elected chair of Parliament’s cross-party group on multiple sclerosis (MS). | Submitted Image

placeholder image — Banbury MP Sean Woodcock has been elected chair of Parliament’s cross-party group on multiple sclerosis (MS). | Submitted Image

Mr Woodcock was elected to the role on Tuesday, November 10.

The group works to represent the interests of people affected by MS and raise awareness of the challenges they face.

As chair, the Banbury MP will lead the group and attend meetings with MPs, peers and the MS Society to discuss issues affecting people living with the condition.

One of its priorities is to examine how the cost-of-living crisis is affecting people with MS.

This includes the additional costs of mobility aids, treatments not available on the NHS and specialist physiotherapy.

Mr Woodcock said: “This is a cause that is deeply personal to me, and I have seen first-hand the impact that MS can have. The challenges it brings, the uncertainty it creates, and the strength and resilience needed to live with it every day.

“But I have also seen real reasons for hope. New treatments and advances in care are transforming lives and helping people with MS to live more independently and with greater confidence for the future.

“As Chair, I will be a champion for everyone affected by MS, ensuring their voices are heard loud and clear in Parliament and Government. It is a privilege to take on this role, and I am determined to help drive the progress that people living with MS deserve.”

More than 150,000 people in the UK are living with MS, according to the MS Society, including an estimated 20,100 in the South East of England.

Henry Tyrrell, public affairs lead at the MS Society, said: “We congratulate Sean on being elected Chair of the APPG on MS, and we're grateful that he’ll bring his personal experience and optimism to the role.

“Living with MS can be debilitating, exhausting and unpredictable. The APPG plays a vital role in highlighting the challenges faced by those with the condition – from accessing treatment and care to employment and financial support to manage extra costs.

“We look forward to working together with Sean to raise the profile of MS in Parliament and drive forward real change.”