AS Parliament returned and Somerset reached the finals of the T20 Blast (I could hear the cheers from my garden), we saw a flurry of activity in government positions after Angela Rayner resigned, having not paid the appropriate tax on a house purchase.

Of course, ministers and MPs need to pay their taxes like everyone else but – as several constituents pointed out to me, including Paul on Wellington High Street on Saturday – she achieved something remarkable in becoming deputy Prime Minister from a start as a single mother and care worker.

People rightly hate personal mudslinging in politics so, while I actively oppose much of what this government is doing, I want to say that, while Angela Rayner has done the right thing by paying the price, she has acted with honesty and integrity in doing so.

It’s refreshing to see someone take the rap, agree to pay up and resign without delay when they got their tax wrong – a contrast to some other politicians I can think of!

The day after Parliament returned, I was delighted to get the opportunity to speak up for local businesses people hit hard by the reduction from 75 per cent to 40 per cent in the discount on business rates falling on hospitality venues.

As if rate rises weren’t enough, the increase in employers’ National Insurance contributions is a tax on jobs the government should never have levied. We Liberal Democrats continue to oppose it tooth and nail – it’s bad for jobs and bad for our local economy.

Our military and their families are another group I had the chance to stand up for this week.

My amendment for a decent homes standard for them was opposed by the government in the Commons. However, thanks to my Lib Dem colleagues in the Lords – and former Chief of Defence Staff, Lord Jock Stirrup, who supported it – the amendment was won there.

Back in the Commons, the move was defeated by the government, despite all other parties combining to support it. Government now stands alone against legislating on this. Our team in Parliament, however, will continue to press this issue as strongly as possible, working across party wherever we can. Our military deserve no less.

Looking after our most vulnerable residents is prioritised by my colleagues running Somerset Council. But the growing costs of care for children and adults is consuming £2 out of every £3 of the council’s budget, leaving little for all other services.

The government really must resolve the care funding crisis and let councils get back to what they do best.

That brings me back to the eat:Wellington festival at the weekend – where I spoke to Paul about the latest government reshuffle.

Seeing thousands of people thronging the town centre, enjoying both the sunshine and food from around the county and around the world, made me think: This is what real community looks like.

Bravo to the organisers and all who took part – we thoroughly enjoyed tasting, and buying, some of the wonderful items on offer.