County Tories split after hustings

CONSERVATIVE councillors across Gloucestershire have given their views on who should be the next Prime Minister after the leadership hustings in Cheltenham on Thursday night.

Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss made their case in front of the 2,000 Tory members who attended the event at Cheltenham Racecourse.

Gloucester City councillor Andrew Gravells is backing Mr Sunak, who he believes would pursue policies which would unite the country. He said: “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-of-living crisis, especially with higher fuel bills.”

Fellow Gloucester councillor Dawn Melvin is backing Liz Truss. She said her plans for investment 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 NI burden we have currently actually reduces the number of new staff they take on. That’s not good for our local or national economy.”

County council chairman Alan Preest said he is still undecided on who to back. He said: “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.”

The Tory members’ ballot closes on September 2 and the winner will be announced on September 5.