The Daily Telegraph

Dear Theresa, this is what a policy looks like…

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Dear Theresa,

I know it’s been a rough couple of weeks. As someone with an evil troll dancing in hobnail boots at the back of my throat and a roster of public speaking engagement­s, I feel your pain. And I only have a book to sell, not a country to run and a horde of alleged “colleagues” to keep under my kitten heel.

For what it’s worth, the consensus among my female friends is that you are being bullied, and we don’t like to see an older woman mocked and humiliated. Whatever our reservatio­ns about decisions you have made, the recent stratagems within the party are a dismaying distractio­n. Especially when the three scariest words in the language are “Jeremy Corbyn government”.

And you have the small matter of Brexit to sort out. However, what we would now like to see are some policies we can feel good about.

Instead of trimming the edges, as you did on student fees, you need to get in touch with real people – with their hopes not just their fears.

On Saturday, I had a manicure with Katie, a lovely, hard-working beauty therapist. Katie told me that she and Matt, her partner for five years, had moved back to live with their respective parents. It was the only way they could save for a house of their own.

They need at least a £16,000 deposit for the Help to Buy scheme, but they plan to save £20,000 to cover Stamp Duty. Katie groaned, as well she might. It’s an albatross around the necks of couples who need every bit of cash they can get.

Why not abolish stamp duty for first-time buyers? It would be a winner with people in their late-20s and 30s, attracting that elusive youth vote the Tories so badly need. Oh, and please build houses, lots of them, not just the measly 5,000 you mentioned at conference. My children’s generation has to believe their country wants them to have a home.

Sending you all best wishes and Tixylix, Allison

PS: Do not sack Boris, who cheers everyone up. If anyone goes, it should be Pallbearer Phil.

 ??  ?? Well-heeled: stand up to the bullies, Theresa
Well-heeled: stand up to the bullies, Theresa

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