The resignation of Liz Truss as Prime Minister was the right one. Her position since the mini budget had become increasingly untenable.
She had lost a Chancellor and a Home Secretary, the confidence of the parliamentary party and consequentially her authority had ebbed away.
Rishi Sunak had my support to be leader over the summer because I feared Liz’s approach to the economy would lead to what did happen.
We need a new leader now and I will be backing Rishi again. He has a proven track record of steering our economy through turbulent times and supporting the lives and livelihoods of millions of people in the pandemic years. I believe he will unite our party and country, to lead us through the enormous challenges ahead.
However, I remain very frustrated and angry about what has happened economically as well as politically during Liz Truss’s tenure. I feel this especially for those who have been affected in Hertford and Stortford by rising interest rates and the falling value of the pound. I submitted a letter of my no confidence in Liz’s leadership on 17th October.
The party now needs to unite around the new leader and go back to our manifesto pledges and deliver on them. A steady hand and good financial management are the keys to laying the foundations for growth and wealth. I do believe Rishi is the one to deliver.
Support for those really struggling due to the cost of living is key too. Since the pandemic, this government has implemented substantial support with policies like furlough and help with energy prices. This needs to continue and continue to be targeted at those who need it the most.
There is much to do for us to regain the trust of the country following what has happened. I believe we can. I look forward to a new focus on driving forward Conservative policies until the next general election.
The death of Her Majesty led to the cancelling of my free jobs Fair. It will now take place on 18th November at Fletcher's Lea, Ware Priory, High St, Ware, SG12 9AL from 10am to 2pm.
We will have 13 exhibitors on the day. Many are big names locally and nationally and will be there to give help and advice or even job opportunities.
Companies and organisations coming are: BT, Carmelcrest Group, East of England Ambulance Service Trust, Gu Puds, Home Instead, HRC, JobCentre Plus, MCP Group, Redwood Bank, Stansted Airport, Stansted Airport College and The Silver Spoon Company/Allinson's.
The fair is aimed at those about to finish education who may need advice, or who want to see what is available career and training wise. It will also be useful for older workers seeking a job or new skills.
For others it is an opportunity to look at returning to work after illness or having children. It can be a second chance following redundancy or unemployment.
We have record employment in the country now and there are vacancies and opportunities in many sectors. I hope to see you there.