THE CANDIDATES fighting the Rugby & Bulkington seat are busy campaigning ahead of the General Election on June 8. Here, Conservative Party candidate Mark Pawsey tells Observer readers in his own words why he deserves your vote.
Now more than ever our country needs strong and stable leadership with a Prime Minister who is capable of securing the best deal from our European partners as we negotiate our exit from the European Union.
Over the next five years we will face a number of significant challenges as we begin our journey towards building a bright new future for our country as a fully independent and sovereign nation. This means that we need a Prime Minister and a Government capable of meeting those challenges while at the same time seizing the opportunities that lie ahead.
For too long politicians have promised the earth to people for short term gain. However, it is only right that our political leaders are honest with people about the challenges we face and what we must do as a country to overcome them. It would be easier to shirk that responsibility and to put off the difficult decisions. However, that would be irresponsible. In this election Theresa May and the Conservatives are offering an end to the short-sighted irresponsible government that left our country facing economic ruin following the financial crisis in 2008.
Following the mismanagement of our economy by the Labour-run Blair and Brown governments, under David Cameron as Prime Minster our economy once again began to flourish, unemployment halved and Britain got back to work. Now Theresa May is building a country that works for everyone.
The choice at this election could not be clearer. After June 8 our country will either have Jeremy Corbyn as our Prime Minister propped up by the SNP and the Liberal Democrats in a coalition of chaos, or Theresa May and her team governing in the national interest.
Since the Conservatives came to office in 2010 in Rugby we have seen our local economy go from strength to strength. Unemployment has reduced by 50 per cent meaning more local families with the security of a regular pay packet. We also now have more children being taught in a good or outstanding rated school. These are the building blocks for a prosperous future for our town, and for our country. A first class education for all of our children and then the opportunity of a good job and a bright future for them as they start their own families.
Conservatives in government have achieved a great deal but there is still more to do. We must not put those achievements at risk by handing Jeremy Corbyn the keys to 10 Downing Street in June. We must not allow him to seize control of our nation’s finances and risk the future of every person in our country.
Over the past weeks, months and years I have spent lots of time out on doorsteps in Rugby with my Conservative councillor colleagues talking with, and listening to, local people regarding their concerns, hopes and aspirations. Every time that I go out more and more people are telling me that the only person capable of shouldering the responsibility of securing a brighter future for our country is Theresa May.
Under Theresa May’s leadership the Conservatives will build a stronger and more prosperous country, one that works for ordinary hardworking families. Under her leadership the big challenges facing our country will be tackled head on. The best deal will be secured as we leave the EU; our NHS will receive a minimum of £8billion more in funding; a long-term plan for elderly care will be implemented meaning nobody has to sell the family home to pay for care and a limit will be placed on the amount people will have to pay; pensioners will be protected whilst also ensuring fairness for working people; the schools budget will increase by £4billion in real terms; taxes will be kept low and immigration will be brought down to sustainable levels.
The next few years will not be easy and many difficult decisions lie ahead but by being upfront and honest with people Theresa May is once again demonstrating what sets her apart from the other candidates vying to be our Prime Minister, and to represent our country on the global stage.
Despite all of the challenges that lie ahead I know that with your support Mrs May will build a country to be proud of, a country that works for everyone and a country with the brightest of futures.
Mark Pawsey, Conservative Party candidate
