I am sorry not to be joining the hustings tonight at St Andrew’s Church, Oxshott. We’ve had five hustings so far, at which I have been subject to unsubstantiated and personal attacks by the independent candidate, Della Reynolds. This is part and parcel of politics. However, last week, Della likened the Conservative deficit reduction plan […]
Read MoreDuring a general election campaign, the candidates stand on their party’s manifesto and their own local record. But, I also find that I get asked a lot what my personal core convictions are. What drives me personally? What are my priorities as a nationally elected representative participating in writing the laws of the land and […]
Read MoreYesterday, Rydens Enterprise School hosted a hustings for their students, which attracted a lot of interest and some great questions. Today, I went to Esher College to speak to students - as pictured below - and we debated a range of issues from austerity to human rights. I have been thoroughly impressed with the interest […]
Read MoreOne of the key challenges we face locally, with a rising birth rate and an ageing population, is to tailor local health services to the specific needs of our community. In cash terms, this government has increased funding for the NHS by almost £13billion since 2010. More operations are being delivered, and waiting lists are […]
Read MoreDespite cuts in the budgets of local police forces and prosecution services, crime has steadily fallen – locally and across the country. Between 2010 and 2014, police recorded crime fell by 14% in England and Wales. In Surrey, despite a 7% cut in our police budget, crime fell by 25% - and by 28% locally […]
Read MoreThis week, we had two more election hustings, one at Holy Trinity Church in Claygate, and the other at St Christophers Church in Hinchley Wood. Both were lively, with a range of issues arising. At Claygate, there was a greater focus on national and international issues - from the economy to defence. At Hinchley Wood, […]
Read MoreThe Conservatives have a strong record on education over the last 5 years. We have enacted legislation to strengthen teacher discipline in the classroom. There is a greater focus on the basics like numeracy and literacy. We have restored academic rigour to the syllabus, so children are equipped for working life once they leave school. We […]
Read MoreThe Conservative Party manifesto was launched today. Key policies include: taking the minimum wage out of income tax, extending the income tax personal allowance to £12,500, raising the 40p income tax threshold to £50,000, extending the Right to Buy to social housing tenants, making the first £1million of any home exempt from Inheritance Tax, freezing regulated […]
Read MoreToday, I dropped by Sunrise of Esher care home to talk to residents. We had a lively discussion, ranging from the economy and state of the NHS, through to immigration and the European Union. I am very grateful to Jane Knight for inviting me along - and to all the residents for not giving me […]
Read MoreLast night, all the candidates gathered for the first of the Esher & Walton constituency hustings, hosted by the brilliant Esher Business Guild (EBG) at the Esher civic centre. My thanks to Madeleine, Smita and Ian from the EBG for organising the hustings. It was a good opportunity to remind people about the Conservatives economic […]
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