The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
May tells party it’s time to look to the future
Tories: Prime Minister pledges to listen to young voters
Theresa May told Tory supporters this week’s party conference is a chance for the Conservatives to look to the future.
As the party faithful converge on Manchester, the Prime Minister pledged to listen to the concerns of young voters after the Tories lost their Commons majority in the snap June poll.
Mrs May said: “As Conservatives, we have a vision of a country that works for everyone, not just the privileged few – precisely the direction I set when I became Prime Minister last year.
“I understand the concerns raised, particularly by young people, during what was a disappointing election for my party.
“So my determination to act on those concerns and, crucially, to fulfil the promise of my first speech on the steps of Downing Street, is greater than ever.
“So, this week we’ll be setting out our road to a better future for you and your family.”
With most polls putting the Tories and Labour in a photo finish, Mrs May said a vote for Jeremy Corbyn as Prime Minister was too risky.
She said: “The Labour Party is simply not fit to govern – and have already gone back on their promises about things like student debt.
“They don’t have the balanced economic approach our country needs and we know from last time where that leads.”
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister is facing fresh speculation about her political future after polling found Tory members want her to quit after Brexit, putting Boris Johnson as the top choice to take over.
The Foreign Secretary was backed by 23% of party members to take over, followed by Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson on 19%.
High-profile backbencher Jacob Rees-mogg, who has was branded “extreme” after expressing opposition to abortion in all circumstances, including rape and incest, came in third on 17%, in the Yougov poll.