Stafford's first female MP Theo Clarke praises predecessor during maiden speech

Theo Clarke, the niece of Jacob-Rees Mogg, won the seat after former MP Jeremy Lefroy announced he was standing down.

She said the former Stafford representative had been a "tireless champion" for local issues and she would aim to follow in his footsteps.

The newly elected Conservative MP said she would continue to fight for support for the Armed Forces, the County Hospital, education and to protect the environment.

Miss Clarke, during the speech, also highlighted Stafford's "proud" history and invited The Queen for a visit.

She said: "Stafford is rightly proud of our history. During the dark ages, Stafford was at the centre of the Kingdom of Mercia and local legend has it that the local town of Penkridge was once the capital of England.

"And the Ancient High House, one of the finest Tudor buildings in the country, also welcomed royalty when King Charles I stayed there en-route to Shrewsbury.

"I would like to invite Her Majesty to visit us at any time in the constituency to continue this fine tradition."

She also said it was "vital" that farmers across the county were properly supported.

Miss Clarke added: "As we forge a new path outside the EU, it's vital our farmers are supported and we don't compromise on environmental, food and animal welfare standards.

"We must continue to conserve our countryside and ensure that rural communities get the infrastructure they need – from faster broadband to local bus services.

"I enjoyed visiting the County Showground and look forward to my first ploughing match in the constituency – although I will need to learn to drive a tractor before then."

The MP said she was pleased to be getting Brexit done by voting for the withdrawal agreement and to champion women's rights.

She added: "When the suffragettes marched to London, through Stafford, they were met by a somewhat frosty reception in my constituency so it gives me even greater pleasure, a hundred years on, to serve alongside a record 220 female MPs in Parliament.

"And to be elected as the very first female MP for my constituency.

"Walking through Westminster Hall for the first time, as a Member of Parliament for Stafford, I was reminded that beneath my feet was the broom-cupboard where the brave suffragette Emily Wilding Davison hid on the night of the census, ensuring that it was recorded that a woman's place is in the House of Commons."