Labour’s Great Recession left the UK facing a harsh reality – it was time to start living within our means. Hard decisions were unavoidable. Conservatives in Government chose to tackle this head-on, by putting working people at the heart of a credible long-term economic plan.
Now our economy is growing. Employment is at record levels and wages are rising faster than inflation. Despite the incredible mess Labour left behind, the budget deficit has been cut in half, at the same time as:
· Income tax has been abolished for 3 million low-paid workers;
· 1.8 million jobs have been created, most being full time positions in the private sector;
· £800 has been added to the basic state pension;
· Spending on the NHS has increased in real terms.
This is real progress, but there is much to be done.
It has only been possible to create jobs and cut taxes because we set out a clear plan and have stuck with it. Stick with us, and we will finish the job.
Without a credible plan, to tackle the deficit and grow the economy, investment in treasured services, like the NHS, is unsustainable. Labour does not have a credible plan and Ed Miliband is not a credible leader - this is why Labour promises on the NHS, for example, are so worthless.
As your Chorley candidate, my 2014 highlights include securing a new major corporate partner for Derian House, Chorley’s wonderful children’s hospice. Helping to gain a new long term lease for Astley and Buckshaw Juniors FC was another great moment. I have also led campaigns on reforms to home care in Lancashire and on the bungled handling of the Local Plan by Chorley Labour. As ever, I have enjoyed playing rugby for Chorley – despite ending up with a back injury in October!
In 2015, I will remain tightly focused on the local issues raised with me by residents. One such issue is the provision of school places. This Government has invested more than £65 million in new school places in Lancashire. But in our Borough, too many parents still cannot get their children into the school of their choice. As you MP I will fight to put this right.
I want to be the MP for Chorley because I passionately believe that honest work should have its just rewards. People who work to support themselves, and their families, deserve to keep the money they earn and to own a home of their own. Anyone who wants to work deserves opportunities to find a job or to get training. Those who are unable to work must be supported and given dignity.
In 2015, only the Conservatives are offering the long term economic plan that is essential to making all of this possible.
Best wishes to everyone for a Happy New Year.