A RECENTLY appointed member of the House of Lords said she aims to use her platform for good.

Claire Regina Fox was appointed as Baroness Fox of Buckley on September 14.

Following the news, Buckley Town Council wrote to Prime Minister Boris Johnson to express its opposition.

Baroness Fox has now spoken to the Leader about her peerage, why she chose Buckley for her title and what she aims to do in the future.

She explained: "I was as surprised as anyone to be offered a peerage, not least because I have long been a critic of the House of Lords.

"But I decided that I would try and use it as a platform for good.

"When the question of a title arose and I was asked which place I wished to be associated with, it was a no-brainer.

"I am proud to be a Buckley girl. Some friends in the media and politics were surprised.

"Why Buckley when I’ve lived in London for over two decades?

"I may have grown up to be the Director of the Academy of Ideas, a political commentator, a regular broadcaster on Sky News and BBC Radio 4’s Moral Maze, and, briefly, an elected Brexit Party MEP.

"But my father’s advice to 'always remember your roots' has stood me in good stead. And my roots are in Buckley.

"I moved to Buckley aged 10, with my two sisters Gemma and Fiona and parents who, as Irish immigrants, said the town made them feel warmly welcome.

"My father ran a business in Buckley called John Fox Plant Hire; when he died, the Catholic Church on Mold Road was so packed that mourners spilt onto the street.

"Soon after my mother Maura, a stalwart of local life and involved in organising Buckley Jubilee for years, initiated a project to build a new Catholic Church in the town.

"I was married in that church years later.

"I have been to Buckley a lot recently, as my Mum developed Alzheimer’s and moved to Marleyfield Care Home, where I was a frequent visitor.

"She sadly died last October and is buried with my Dad in Bistre Church graveyard."

On the opposition to her title and plans moving forward, she continued: "I gather that Buckley Town Council does not approve of me using the town’s name.

"To reassure them, this is not a claim to represent the people of Buckley (that is not how the title works).

"Neither would I dare speak on behalf of over 20,000 residents.

"However, I hope to remind my fellow noble Lords and Ladies that there are many communities and towns like Buckley whose concerns and interests are often neglected in the Westminster bubble.

"I also hope to use my platform to champion free speech.

"As founder of the Debating Matters competition for 6th formers and convenor of the annual Battle of Ideas festival, I have always argued against Cancel Culture and that it’s more productive to debate political opponents than demonise them.

"So maybe the Town Council would like to invite me back to Buckley to debate them? I’d be delighted."