June 2026 – Katie Thornburrow

Cambridge South: a special station

One of the best things about the new station is that is has been designed to be sustainable, to enhance local biodiversity, and to use modern building materials, working to the BREEAM standards – that’s the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method, the world’s leading sustainability assessment and certification method for masterplanning, infrastructure, and buildings.

Hear Katie explain why she thinks the new station is special

And read the government’s press release with more detail. As they say the station is

Designed to blend in with its surroundings, the station integrates with the existing Hobson’s Park nature reserve, helping to protect valuable green space, recreational areas and wildlife habitats.

Its ‘green roof’ includes a wildflower meadow environment and a rainwater catchment system that will store and slowly discharge rainwater back into the environment and the nearby brook, while the station’s overall design and construction efficiencies have reduced the station’s carbon footprint by over 22%.

Welcome to Cambridge South

I was up very early on a Sunday morning to catch the 0631 train from Cambridge, but I wasn’t the only passenger. The train was the very first passenger train to stop at the newly opened Cambridge South station, and I wanted to mark the moment.

It’s a celebration tinged with sadness as we remember those who were killed and injured in the Bedford rail crash, and our thoughts are with all of those affected. So there was no big event here today, just the opportunity to explore our new rail station.

The Secretary of State for Transport granted planning permission in December 2022 and detailed design approvals (such as the specific appearance and layout of the station building) were later approved by the planning authority, so it’s great to see it in operation. I visited it a few months ago when it was almost finished.

And the new station is also the first in the country to have the new Great British Railways branding, marking the Labour government’s work to bring rail back into public ownership.

Katie on the bridge, with the Great British Railways poster

A new leader for Labour, and for the country

The Prime Minister has told the country that he will be leaving office, and now Labour will choose a new leader who will then form a government. The process will start on July 9th when Labour’s National Executive Committee opens nominations, and will be completed before Parliament resumes after its summer recess, in September.

the BBC's coverage of the news on an IPad

This is not a system I would have chosen, as I feel that the country as a whole should be able to make the choice of the person who plays such an important role in our lives. However as things stand there is no need to call a General Election when changing party leader and that person will become Prime Minister as long as they have the support of a majority of the House of Commons. This is the way that several Conservative PMs took office over the last decade, and it is what will happen now.

It may be that the process means there isn’t even an election within the Labour Party, if only one MP comes forward for consideration. This is how both Theresa May and Rishi Sunak became PM.

A lovely day at Strawberry Fair

It was so lovely to be at Strawberry Fair today, and to see so many people having a brilliant time. I really loved the atmosphere, the fabulous variety of food stalls, clothes and cool stuff on offer, and of course the bands. It was great to catch ‘For The Hornets‘ live on the Revolting Stage, as their lead singer Adz Bond has been a friend of mine for twenty years!

Katie at the fair, watching For The Hornets

Strawberry Fair is free to attend because everybody helps with donations, sponsorship, volunteer hours, and word of mouth. Check out their site to see how you can help. It was lovely to see my friend James Youd in his steward’s vest helping with the Revolting Stage today.

The field was really well laid out, and I particularly liked the stone circle. It’s a shame it won’t be there all year round, but I suspect it wouldn’t survive the cows.

It was really great to see Adz Bond, the lead singer of For The Hornets

Honoured to be the new leader of Cambridge City Council

At the City Council AGM on June 1st I was elected as the new leader of council.

These are my notes for a speech.

You can watch the meeting on the City Council YouTube channel and read the Labour Party announcement here. It’s also on the City Council website.

Notes towards a speech

I’d like to start by thanking Cllr Bick and Cllr Bennett, and everyone else who took part in the discussions and negotiations over the last ten days to get us here. I think we are in a good place to go forward together.

And I’d also like to acknowledge the hard work and professionalism of every person who keeps the Council running, from the Chief Executive and other officers, to the whole team here and Mandela House and in offices and depots around the city.

Thank you to those keeping the parks in fantastic condition, and my wonderful team at Shared Planning and 3C Building Control.

Thanks to the the unions supporting so many of our workers, to everyone keeping our buildings and sites running and secure, and to those helping councillors to be as effective as possible as we serve the people of Cambridge.