Spending time with like-minded politicians and activists at the annual Conservative Party Conference is a key part of my year, and none more so than this year.
Since Kemi Badenoch became the leader of the Conservative Party last year, I have been part of a small team working with her on a review of all our party’s policies, which we will develop and hone ready to take on the challenge of the next General Election.
It’s taken some time, and we have been criticised for not being quicker in picking up on policies introduced by other parties, or making quick announcements in reaction to media speculation. But we’re not here to pander to calls for quick fix solutions, or to shout with the loudest with ill-thought through and uncosted policies. The plans laid out at Conference will tackle some of the key issues which are troubling the people of Brentwood and Ongar, and the people of the UK.
As you might expect, these plans will not be easy. The first, and most radical plan, was laid out clearly by Kemi Badenoch last week, and is to leave the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) so that we can end illegal immigration, deport foreign criminals, protect our veterans from vexatious legal claims and keep local services for local people.
Mrs Badenoch also set out plans to scrap stamp duty for UK citizens, save our high streets by abolishing business rates and for pubs and shops, reduce everyone’s energy bills and hire 10,000 more police officers. These excellent measures will protect our borders, grow our economy and keep our streets safe.
