WORCESTER MP Robin Walker writes for the Observer…
When I made my maiden speech with schools as its central theme, little could I have realised that twelve years later, I would be agonising over whether to resign from my dream job of Schools Minister.
Now the answer seems obvious, and I am very grateful to the hundreds of constituents who have been in touch to express their support for my decision. At the time there was no certainty that it would deliver the outcome it did.
I am glad that there is a strong field to choose between and I have been using the hustings to press the case for some of the issues that matter in Worcester like fairer school funding, action to address capacity in our A&E and address ambulance waits as well as help with the cost of living. I am glad to see all of the candidates committing to tax cuts at some point over the coming year and to continuing our environmental commitments to net zero and restoring nature.
I made no secret about supporting my fellow Worcestershire MP Sajid Javid in 2019 and was proud to do so again in 2022. Whilst ultimately, he was not successful, I think he can hold his head high as a self-made and successful businessman, minister, Chancellor and Health Secretary who has done a huge amount for our country and our county.
I did not declare publicly for another candidate because I believed there are a number who could successfully lead the party forward and I would have been happy to see any of Rishi Sunak, Penny Mordaunt or Tom Tugendhat elected. However, after following the debates and hustings closely I have concluded that Rishi’s combination of experience, knowledge, integrity, and patriotism are the right qualities. What is vital is that following the election, whatever the outcome, we all work together to deliver on our 2019 manifesto and focus on the growing economy that I know people in Worcester want to see.
Meanwhile in Worcester this week, I am pleased to be attending many exciting events including the unveiling of a plaque to commemorate Worcester’s persecuted medieval Jewish population who were expelled from the city during the Middle Ages, welcoming the Queen’s Baton Relay to Worcester, as well as visiting Worcester’s Busy Bees.
