Mike Amesbury: 'What a contrast between kindness of people and actions of some at the top'

Organised by Rudheath and Witton Together, the evening at Rudheath Social Club showcased amazing individuals and organisations.

Everyone had been recognised by a fellow neighbour, friend or colleague for going above and beyond in supporting others.

Following a warm welcome to the audience from Northwich mayor Sam Naylor, it was my privilege to present the Act of Kindness Award.

In the running was volunteer Bob Brown for teaching self-defence classes to all ages over more than 30 years.

Fellow finalist Nicky Price has supported people with mental health problems including through wellbeing and meditation courses.

But the award went to Andrew Chiu, owner of After Five Chinese takeaway.

Mike Amesbury presenting an award to Andrew Chiu, of After Five Chinese Takeaway

Since lockdown, Andrew has provided food to struggling families, gifted money to foodbanks and helped more than 4,000 children celebrate Chinese New Year.

There were other awards for community helper, young person, key worker, fundraiser, community engagement and a Special Award went to Paige Keen for being ‘a true inspiration’ to young people.

As your local MP, I also want to make a positive difference to the world but am afraid some in Government are letting the community and nation down.

What a contrast between the kindness of people in our neighbourhood and the self-serving actions of too many at the top.

During Covid, most people followed the rules to protect the NHS, which sometimes meant not saying goodbye to dying loved ones.

But partygate revealed Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Chancellor Rishi Sunak broke the law they expected the rest of us to obey.

For some on the Government benches, Covid was just another opportunity for them and their pals to make money. Analysis of Government procurement data uncovered £3.5 billion of Covid contracts awarded to Tory-linked firms.

Of course, a fish rots from the head down. Remember how vague the PM was over who originally funded his Downing Street flat revamp and who paid for a Caribbean holiday?

What about the past tax arrangements of multi-millionaire Chancellor Sunak and his even richer wife Akshata Murthy? 

Sunak always said he was a “low tax chancellor”. Turns out he is - for himself and his family, while he puts up taxes for everyone else.

This awards evening showed the very best of human nature and kindness. Unfortunately, it’s not always replicated among those at the helm.