Updated: They say that a week is a long time in politics and I cannot remember when that saying has been more appropriate after an extraordinary period of time.
Much of the focus has been around the leadership of both the Conservatives and Labour. I know that a lot of people don’t know what to make of it all.
Firstly, the slate of candidates in the leadership election showed the current strength in depth that we have in the Conservative Party. I was originally supporting Andrea Leadsom and was pleased that it was May vs Leadsom in the final, as I feel these were the two stand out candidates. Certainly this was also the view of members of the local Conservative Party and constituents who contacted me.
After Andrea pulled out of the race this week, it left Theresa May as the remaining candidate and the Home Secretary had the majority support of Conservative MPs.
Mrs May has promised to make a success of Brexit and to focus on ‘a vision of a country that works not for the privileged few but works for every one of us. Giving people more control over their lives, and that’s how together we will build a better Britain.’
It is now important that as a Party we unite behind Theresa as Leader and Prime Minister. There are difficult tasks that lie ahead but also many opportunities and in my opinion our country is in far better hands with a strong Conservative government and party.
I have no doubt that Theresa May would make a very capable Prime Minister as she has a lot of experience and knowledge for the role and I wish her every success.
If you have any interest in politics at all, the months ahead promise to be a fascinating time.
In local matters I recently met with David Burbidge the Chairman of the bid for Coventry as the UK City of Culture in 2021. David put across a vision which will benefit to our community being on the border with Coventry.
Not only will it bring millions of pounds of investment to our region but also deliver diverse cultural and tourist initiatives for local people. I will be backing the bid, you can find out more by visiting www.coventry2021.co.uk.
Finally, Conservative Councillors on North Warwickshire Borough Council voted to keep Arley Sports Centre open last week after engaging with local residents. Council Leader David Humphreys and his team are working hard to ensure good management of local services whilst trying to balance the books. A task which is not always easy. The financial sustainability of keeping the centre open was in question.
I am told that the Council are looking at additional uses for the centre and are changing opening times to ensure its future is more sustainable. I was shocked however to learn that despite promises to local people, local Labour Councillors voted against the measures.
I am pleased that the Council took the time to consider all possible options and reflected on the responses from local people and the Arley Sports Centre action group. I know that many people in Arley and the surrounding villages will be pleased that the sports centre will not close.