A fantastic example of Levelling Up
It is now 16 years since I was first selected as the Conservative Candidate to fight the General Election in Calder Valley (March 2007).
I can tell you it has been the greatest honour to serve you and our great country as your member of parliament.
In my 25 years in politics, I have held many different roles.
I started out as a parish councillor before serving as a Calderdale Borough councillor.
During my now 13 years as an MP, I have had the honour of serving in Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s Household as HM lord commissioner of the treasury, vice chamberlain, and most recently, treasurer of His Majesty’s household and deputy chief whip.
I am proud of my record as Calder Valley MP.
I am the only MP to have achieved more than 50 per cent of the vote; the only MP to have served four terms; and the only MP to ever increase their majority.
Depending on when the next general election is called, I may soon be the MP who has served the Calder Valley the longest, beating the record currently set by Sir Donald Thompson.
A lot of people talk about Levelling Up, and it is fantastic what an example the constituency has become.
Around £1.1bn has been spent in Calder Valley, including infrastructure and support during the pandemic.
The many projects I’m proud to have lobbied for and knocked on many doors in Whitehall to secure include a much needed £128m in flood infrastructure spend which continues; £196.4m for healthcare, including the massive ongoing hospital reconfiguration; £42.9m for our towns; and the active evaluation of a massive programme of school rebuilding.
This level of investment into the Calder Valley is unprecedented.
So, as I sit here now reflecting on that, it is with huge pride in what we have achieved, tinged with sadness, that I write this article to officially inform you that I will not be standing as your
Conservative candidate for Calder Valley at the next general election.
After much discussion with my wife, Elaine and I have decided to spend more quality time with our family.
As you can imagine, it will be a great joy to leave on my terms and with a strong record of achievement for constituents across Calder Valley and the country as a whole.
Rest assured, however, I will continue to work vigorously for my residents until the next election.
Can I finally take this opportunity to thank you all for your support during my time as your MP and I hope you can give the same support to our new Conservative candidate when the time comes.