Times and Star Column - Thursday 11th August 2022
"As we approach the final furlong of the Conservative leadership race, it is right to reflect on what has happened so far.
It is no secret that I am sorry to see Boris go - and that I rated him as Prime Minister. This is the man who broke the Brexit deadlock, delivered an 80-seat Conservative majority, and presided over the most successful vaccine rollout in Europe. However, the rules dictate that his name cannot appear on the ballot paper. It falls to us to elect a successor.
I also want to pay tribute to the excellent candidates who have fallen by the wayside. The calibre of the runners and riders has been exceptional, and it was a real challenge to pick a favourite.
By September 5 we will have either the first BAME Prime Minister or the third female Prime Minister. The Conservative party does not need positive discrimination to ensure a representative slew of candidates. Valuing people as individuals - for their unique qualities - is the bedrock of Conservatism. It is an ethos which allows anyone to rise to the top if they work hard, whatever their background.
It is this climate that saw grocer's daughter Margaret Thatcher chosen to lead the country for over a decade. The party. would go on to elect Theresa May in 2016 - and without the need for a female-only shortlist. Of the original list of nominees more than half came from an ethnic minority background, and four were women.
As we choose a new leader, we are at a crossroads. We face huge challenges in the aftermath of Covid and of Putin's invasion of Ukraine. We need a leader with a proven track record who will keep the promises we made to voters in Workington in 2019.
I believe that this person is Liz Truss, as do many of my constituents who have been in touch to express their support. She has already shown that she can lead, is able to make the tough decisions, and gets things done.
One of Liz's first priorities is an emergency budget to suspend 'green levies' on energy bills, and reverse April's National Insurance rise. She will cut taxes to help businesses invest in their future, tackle the cost of energy, and control government spending as promised in the manifesto.
Liz stood up to Vladimir Putin by targeting Russia with the toughest sanctions his regime has ever seen. She will continue to lead the free world in opposing Putting and making sure Ukraine prevails.
As Trade Secretary, she struck dozens of new deals with major partners such as Australia and Japan which people thought would never be possible. In the face of EU intransigence, she developed the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill, breaking the deadlock in a legal way, upholding the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement and preventing the tearing apart of our precious Union.
Whoever ultimately wins the contest, I would urge the country to unite behind our new Prime Minister as we meet the considerable challenges ahead."
