I was proud to be a part of the team supporting Stephen Crabb to be our next party leader and Prime Minister. Although I am disappointed he decided to drop out of the race I respect and understand his reasons for doing so.
Even though he did not progress in the election it is clear that Stephen’s strong and clear message and vision for our nation has shaped the debate.
I now need to consider who I will be supporting in the next round of voting, when we will select the final two candidates to go through to the vote of party members.
Firstly I believe that all three candidates, Thersea May, Andrea Leadsom and Michael Gove, would make very good Prime Ministers. But it is important for me to support the candidate that best represents my views and values, that will provide the leadership our nation needs in the current situation and particularly the person who I believe will be best for Cornwall and the people of St Austell and Newquay.
After carefully considering this choice I have decided that I will be voting for Andrea Leadsom in Thursday’s ballot.
I met with Andrea this morning and asked her specifically about her commitment to continue to support Cornwall with investment and economic aid once EU funding comes to an end. She confirmed that she would continue the current support until at least the end of the current funding round in 2020.
I believe that Andrea will make a very good PM and will provide a fresh approach our country needs for the coming years to face the challenges and make the most of the opportunities we now have.