Guildford’s MP is determined not to let growing threats and hostility towards politicians get in the way of connecting with her constituents.

Liberal Democrat Zöe Franklin, elected to parliament in 2024 after many years as a councillor, has been touring the town during Westminster’s summer recess.

She was candid about increased abuse faced by those in local and national government. Like many MPs, she carries a security fob and has stringent security measures around her work.

“I’m as comfortable as you can be with what comes with the job,” she said. “There’s no doubt that the risk level for all elected officials has gone up significantly over the years I’ve been doing this.”

Ms Franklin says her job is “the best thing in the world” and wants to dedicate the recess to spending time with Guildford residents.

She recently stopped using Twitter – or X, as Elon Musk renamed it.

“I am willing to recognise robust challenge, but the level of abuse I was receiving was unacceptable,” she said. “It had become quite personal, and had the potential to put myself and those around me in a situation where we were not safe.”

She wants to strike a balance between safety and being on the ground with constituents. Casework surgeries still happen, but must be booked in advance, with security measures in place.

During a recent constituency tour, Ms Franklin stopped at The Aggie, a coffee shop and community hub in north Guildford which has been struggling to attract enough customers.

“I’ve had a great time learning about all the exciting things the Aggie is doing,” she said, recording a piece for social media. “I encourage you to get online, find their Insta, find their Facebook and come along and enjoy all the Aggie has to offer.”

Next, Ms Franklin visited Christian charity ReSkilled, which aims to help people who are out of work find confidence and purpose through its workshops.

ReSkilled describes its aim as to “reduce social isolation and give people back self-esteem, choices and hope, by enabling them to re-discover the fulfilment and benefits of being in employment”.

Back at her constituency office, orange “winning here” diamond posters cover the wall, each bearing the name of a Lib Dem councillor across the county.

“The fact that we went on to win both West and East Surrey hasn’t really been acknowledged as the enormous shift that it is,” Ms Franklin said. “The Conservatives have run Surrey since basically forever.”

After meeting charity Cycling UK to hear about its work and campaigning, she returned to the office for a meeting with caseworkers about ongoing issues raised by constituents.

Even while parliament is in recess, MPs continue advocating for constituents, often helping people facing problems accessing health and education services or navigating the immigration system.

Summer recess gives MPs more time on the ground in their constituencies, but parliament returns in September.

“I absolutely love this job, it’s the best thing in the world,” Ms Franklin said. “I’ve done so many things, Guildford is so varied.”