People have told their new MP that housing is the biggest challenge they face as they struggle financially.

Chris Ward, MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, said he has been inundated with hundreds of emails from constituents who need support with poor housing conditions, no fault evictions and homelessness.

It has been a hectic few months forming his team, finding a permanent office in the heart of Kemp Town, getting stuck in with case work and meeting organisations and residents while getting his bearings in Parliament.

“You become MP and then the next morning there is a flood of emails,” he said.

“You have to start with no staff and no office.”

Despite the headache of setting up his office, the MP said he has prioritised case work and meeting constituents.

The issue that comes up time and time again, he says, is housing.

Read more: Chris Ward wins Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven after short campaign

Mr Ward said that during a recent surgery he held in Whitehawk every case was linked in some way to housing.

He has therefore employed housing specialists as case workers and has been meeting with local housing organisations and charities.

The 41-year-old said he wants to be proactive in tackling the issue and to reach those who do not get in contact.

“We are missing so many problems because those affected aren’t contacting us, so they’re going under the radar,” he said.

Other priorities for the new MP are the issues of sewage and the state of NHS services in the constituency, as well as social care.

He said waiting times for children with mental health problems to get their diagnoses are “horrific”.

He has been to visit bosses at Southern Water and the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton.

“There are so many good things happening in the constituency,” he said.

“But problems with housing and sewage are significant.

“All over the constituency people are struggling.

“There are huge issues with inequality in the area.”

The Albion season ticket holder, who was an aide and speechwriter for Keir Starmer for six years, is proud of the government’s work so far and praised the Renters Reform Bill, which he hopes will tackle the no-fault evictions in the constituency and help clamp down on bad landlords.

Mr Ward said he is in a good position to speak to Keir Starmer about the issues facing Sussex in his role as Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Prime Minister.

In the role, Mr Ward is the "eyes and ears" of the PM in the House of Commons. 

He is also preparing for another challenge.

The father of one will be running the Brighton Half Marathon in February in aid of Sussex Beacon, whose work supporting people living with HIV he has commended.

Mr Ward is keen to work with other MPs in areas where there are high numbers of new HIV cases to roll out the work that is happening in Brighton.

“Brighton is a shining light,” he said.

“It’s a strong example of reducing cases.”

Mr Ward’s surgeries are up and running and he will also be taking part in a meet your MP event, he said.