So, after many years in the party I finally made it to Manchester for the Conservative Party Conference, representing Ely and East Cambridgeshire.
A moment of personal pride, as a local party officer I was able to take my seat as a (substitute!) voting member of the National Conservative Convention.
Followed by a brilliant welcome from the Leader of the Opposition - and a proper, fully thought-out policy on immigration ready to go on day 1 of a government - not to be figured out as we go.
I cannot explain the buzz of relentless optimism and seriousness about overcoming Reform and Labour and doing the future right. Our country depends on it, and everyone in Manchester knows it. We’ve got serious, bold plans to fix the economy and immigration.
Great to receive support over Local Government Reorganisation and empowering small rural areas to thrive. The councillors lounge was nice too…!
So happy as well to catch up with councillor colleagues from the LGA Next Generation training, and a few other familiar faces!
I’ll always be residents first, party second. But whatever the circumstances, I am proud to serve them as a Conservative, with a solid plan and decent, professional, effective politics.
