Kate writes a bi-weekly column for the Uttoxeter Echo. This column was originally featured in the 20th July print edition.
Next week, all eyes will be focused on our region for the Birmingham Commonwealth Games. This competition is set to be the hottest sporting event of the summer and it’s taking place right on our doorstep!
However, the competition which is receiving most media attention right now is the leadership contest for the Conservative Party and who will ultimately become Prime Minister. The first thing to say about this is just how incredibly strong the slate of candidates in the running are and the diversity of their backgrounds. It is a testament of the Party, and more importantly our country, that first generation migrants are now bidding for the highest office in the land along with more female candidates than ever before.
All colleagues putting themselves forward as leadership candidates are superb, and I would be happy to serve under any of them. However, I have decided to back Penny Mordaunt MP for leader. Her experience, both in the House of Commons and outside, including as an Honorary Captain in the Royal Navy Reserves, is wide-ranging and she has shown consistently that she is able to deliver.
Penny has integrity, vision and drive to deliver on the promises she is making, including tackling the cost of living crisis, slashing fuel tax and advocating for global Britain post-Brexit.
One of the most important issues for Burton and Uttoxeter is securing the funding to level up and regenerate our towns, and I am reassured that Penny has acknowledged the importance of continuity on the levelling up agenda. I have no doubt that Penny will unite the party and take the country forward together which is why I am backing her leadership bid.
