We are certainly living in very interesting times at the
moment. There is an old saying that a week is a very long time in politics, and
I feel that this has never been truer than now. What a week we have had.
In my column last week I wrote about my support for Stephen
Crabb in the first round of the leadership contest to decide not only the new
leader for the Conservative Party, but also our next Prime Minister.
However Stephen dropped out of the race mid-week and I
subsequently declared my support for Andrea Leadsom, who by Friday was one of
two candidates remaining from the original five.
Along with several other MPs I had, over the weekend written
to Conservative party chairman Lord Feldman, asking him to fast track the
leadership contest. We stated that the country is living through unprecedented
times and that ongoing instability on the markets caused by the uncertainty
around the leadership race risked causing real damage to the country. With just
two candidates remaining so early in the process, it seemed ridiculous to wait
two months before coming to a decision.
However, as I write this column on Monday morning, the
breaking news was Andrea has also withdrawn from the competition and put her
support behind the sole remaining candidate, Theresa May.
I am obviously disappointed that Andrea has taken this
decision but entirely respect her reasons for doing so. I believe that Andrea’s
actions have been brave and selfless, and in taking this step she has put the
wellbeing of the country ahead of her personal ambitions, of which I applaud.
I have always said that all of the candidates for the
leadership post would have made an excellent Prime Minister and am sure that Theresa,
with her many years of Cabinet experience, will do a good job for the country.
Following the EU Referendum the people and businesses of the
UK need strong leadership to move
quickly to set out what an independent United Kingdom’s life outside the EU
looks like.
Theresa May has promised to implement Article 50, the
mechanism for the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union, as soon
as possible, and it is now our job to form a strong and united Government
behind her to ensure that this process takes place and the people of the UK get
the best possible outcome.
The Conservative
party was elected in 2015 with a strong manifesto, of which a major part, the
EU referendum, has now been fulfilled. We all now need a new Prime Minister in
place as soon as possible, who will fulfil that manifesto as well as
implementing the clear democratic instructions from the British people, who
spoke so strongly at the referendum.
I look forward to
working with Theresa May and her team to ensure the best interests of Cornwall
and its people are kept at the heart of this Government as we go forward.
As always, my team and I are here to serve the whole
constituency and work hard to make a real difference to the lives of everyone
needing support. If there is an issue you would like my assistance on then
please contact me on either 01726 829379 or office@stevedouble.org.uk.
Additionally, I hold regular, appointment only, advice surgeries across the
constituency. Dates of these can be found at: www.stevedouble.org.uk/events
