CROYDON Central's newly-elected MP has vowed to protect frontline jobs as the borough – like everywhere else in Britain – faces the prospect of major public service cuts.

Police officers, teachers, nurses and doctors are a "priority" for Gavin Barwell, who has had a busy first few weeks in the job.

Last week the 38-year-old played his part as Crystal Palace FC came within hours of extinction, by writing directly to Chancellor George Osborne urging him to get involved.

Mr Barwell, speaking from the Advertiser's Croydon office on Tuesday, said: "[The rescue] is a real tribute to thousands of fans who made people aware of how strongly they felt about their team.

"Of course, I did what I could to help, and I've had some nice e-mails. People are so used to politicians not bothering with them so when someone does it takes them by surprise."

Although Palace have been saved, Mr Barwell is well aware that many of his constituents, like the club, have a difficult few years ahead.

He said: "We have to protect frontline services residents rely on, as well as the lowest paid council workers."

The new MP says he will push for government departments to move to Croydon – "not Manchester" –- to offset future job losses.

"I would like to see more public sector jobs reflected here," he said.

"We have the office space for it and we've already achieved it with the Land Registry." (The London headquarters will be moving to East Croydon).

Mr Barwell is hopeful tax breaks for small businesses, an increase in apprenticeships and scrapping National Insurance hikes in the forthcoming budget will help ease local unemployment levels.

But while the economy will be a major concern for months to come, Mr Barwell wants to start by focusing on education and crime.

He has already held "private talks" with education secretary Michael Gove, about retaining money pledged by the former Labour government to Croydon's Building Schools for the Future programme.

Croydon police will not see an increase in its budget, but Mr Barwell has pledged to support the drive for more "bobbies on the beat".

He said: "No one wants to see a reduction in officers employed on the frontline, and I am sure the council will honour its proposals to fund 25 extra uniformed officers."

He added that good things are on the horizon for healthcare in Croydon, with the Government handing over the decision-making on which services are provided where to GPs and patients.

Voters keen to meet him will be pleased to hear he is currently seeking an affordable home for his constituency office, which will be open five-days-a-week.

"I'm conscious of politicians who become institutionalised – and I have no intention of being a Westminster representative in Croydon. I'm going to be a Croydon representative in Westminster. This is my home," he said.