Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
MPS divided again as focus moves from Brexit to No 10
East Kent politicians back different horses in Tory leadership contest
They were on opposite sides of the fence in the EU referendum and now the district’s MPS, Sir Roger Gale and Julian Brazier, are backing different candidates in the contest to be the next leader of the Conservative party.
Sir Roger, who was a staunch Remain supporter, is voting for the favourite, home secretary Theresa May.
In contrast, Brexit supporter Mr Brazier is backing energy minister Andrea Leadsom.
Mr Gale said that Mrs May’s bid to become prime minister had led to him feeling “a real sense of hope where there had been despair”.
The veteran said: “I have been involved in politics for more than 50 years and Mrs May’s speech was one of the most powerful, and impressive for its quiet dignity, that I have ever heard.
“What we now need, to take us through a very difficult period in our history, is a leader with vision, courage and determination that I had found missing in the Vote Leave campaign.
“I believe that in Theresa May we have found someone who has emerged with the experience, skill and ability to reunite not just the Conservative party but the whole country.”
Mr Brazier has announced his support for Mrs Leadsom, who spoke in favour of Britain leaving the EU.
He said: ‘I am supporting Andrea as the outstanding candidate to be our next prime minister.
“At this time of economic turbulence, she has a remarkable grasp of the economy with a wealth of experience from the City.
“Andrea has the strengths that Britain needs to negotiate a good deal with the European Union and take our great country forward.”
But like Sir Roger Gale, Faversham and Mid Kent MP Helen Whately believes Mrs May is “the woman for the job”.
Mrs Whately, a Remain supporter, is confident that Mrs May is clear that “Brexit means Brexit” and that her experience as home secretary and in negotiations with Europe make her a “credible and effective” leader.
She said: “We need a prime minister who will bring the country together, follow through on the referendum result, and show that we still stand by our allies in uncertain times.
“Theresa May is the woman for the job.”
But South Thanet MP Craig Mackinlay is not disclosing who he is voting for.
He said: “I am unsure that it is wise for people to pin their colours here there and everywhere.
“Some of my colleagues had Stephen Crabb badges on yesterday, and now they must be thinking ‘oh dear’.
“It is schoolboy behaviour in my mind.
“Theresa May is visiting my constituency on Thursday for a private association supper.
“I might make an announcement on Friday.”
‘What we now need, to take us through a very difficult period in our history, is a leader with vision, courage and determination’