Councillors give their verdict on hustings as party told future is about ‘working together’
CONSERVATIVE councillors across Gloucestershire have given their views on who should be the next prime minister after last week’s leadership hustings in Cheltenham.
Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss made their case in front of 2,000 Tory members at Cheltenham Racecourse.
Gloucester city councillor Andrew Gravells was among those to get a front row seat at the hustings. He is backing Mr Sunak, who he believes will make a “first class” leader of both the Conservative Party and the country and would pursue policies that would unite the country.
“At the Cheltenham hustings, Rishi had no knock-about jokes or attempts to get a quick laugh up his sleeve, but instead outlined the policies which he’d pursue as leader.
“I first became a local councillor to help my neighbourhood and to pursue policies which would help local people to have better lives and better services from the council.
“Listening to Rishi, I was impressed and heartened to hear him speaking with a similar conviction on the national situation, and on how he’d introduce initiatives to help people who are struggling during the cost-ofliving crisis, especially with higher fuel bills. His initial speech, followed by a question and answer session afterwards, kept my attention throughout. I hope that Rishi is successful, and whilst Liz Truss might appear to have a lead over him at the moment, I believe that as more and more party members get to hear him at the remaining hustings sessions , he’ll close that gap and eventually win the ballot. That’s my hope” Fellow Gloucester councillor Dawn Melvin is backing Liz Truss to become leader. She said her plans for invest
ment in tech, aerospace, farming and food production businesses and the immediate reduction in national insurance are among her reasons.
“Many companies both big and small will tell you that the hiked national insurance burden we have currently actually reduces the number of new staff they take on. That’s not good for our local or national economy.
“The plans Liz has for tax cuts are founded on true Conservative principles. People who pay tax should be able to keep more of the money they earn or have saved, otherwise what’s the point?
Some loud voices will tell you ‘we can’t afford tax cuts at this time,’ but this simply isn’t true, and they know it. “You can’t tax your way out of recession, you encourage growth and outside investment, and that’s what pulls the breaks on and turns it around. “During cabinet meetings, Liz Truss consistently opposed Rishi Sunak’s tax hikes and now she will have the opportunity as PM to put this very serious error right.” Gloucestershire County Council chairman Alan Preest said he was still undecided about who to back. He says whoever is elected must unite the party and get to work immediately.
“Whoever it is has got to more than hit the ground running and sort out the problems that we are undoubtedly going to be facing come the autumn when the sun doesn’t shine and the nights get darker.
“I’ve not met any of them and I think the vote should have been taken solely by the MPS who know these individuals. I can see the positives from Rishi and Liz Truss but it’s got to be about working together… and complete party unity. If we can’t do that we are going to be in a muddle.”