We are fortunate to have a wide choice of incredibly talented people standing to be the new leader of the Conservative Party – and of course, our next Prime Minister.
I am backing Rishi Sunak, because I believe he has the character, skills and experience to be a truly outstanding Prime Minister, and is best placed to help restore trust; rebuild the economy; and reunite the country.
He was Chancellor during one of the most difficult times in our peacetime history during the pandemic. His leadership, responsiveness and pragmatism saved jobs and businesses in my constituency and right across the country. I worked closely with Rishi in Government, developing much needed support measures for key sectors that I oversee in my ministerial role. For example, the Sports Survival Package, the Culture Recovery Fund, cutting VAT in tourism, and the Furlough Scheme - which at one point was sustaining over 90% of jobs in the tourism, hospitality & leisure sectors.
Of course, it’s not just about what he has done, but what he will do in the future. He has a plan: to tackle inflation; grow the economy; cut taxes; reform our public services; create opportunities for all – and so much more.
I know Rishi will deliver for the country and for my constituents. I trust him and I respect him.
As his campaign slogan says, I’m #Ready4Rishi – and I am confident that the country is too.
