WARWICK and Leamington traditionally has a high turnout at General Elections with local people having a keen interest in politics. I respect the views of all other local candidates and look forward to the various hustings events as we approach June 8.
I am very proud to have served as your Member of Parliament for the past seven years. Together we have made significant progress over that time. I am seeking re-election so that I can play my part in building on what we have achieved.
Since 2010 I have worked hard to represent Warwick and Leamington, promoting our skills, bringing investment into the area and challenging local and national Government where necessary. What I consider to be my most important responsibility is my work with constituents – my weekly surgeries and responding to emails and letters, including casework. In the last seven years, I have responded to over 20,000 communications.
I have introduced new business to our area, helping to boost the local economy and create jobs. A new, state-of-the-art, manufacturing operation will soon open its doors on the old Ford Foundry site. A multinational video games company has a new studio based in Leamington. I also welcome Tata Technologies relocating their European Headquarters to the heart of the constituency – a clear signal of the confidence businesses have in our potential.
I have visited every school locally, seeing our education system as a priority, and am so impressed with what they achieve. I am a Patron of Myton School, a Governor at Lillington Primary and a member of the Advisory Board for Warwickshire College.
I opened the new Orthopaedic ward at Warwick Hospital and continue to work with charities, including Guide Dogs, Age UK and the Sea Scouts. I am proud of our diversity and have built relationships with leaders of various faith groups that contribute to the fabric of our strong community. I have sourced funding for Art in the Park, the Folk Festival and a number of other local projects. I created the ‘Love Leam Fund’ from my pay rise, which has already supported a number of different organisations with grants such as the clock tower at All Saints’ Church, now working again thanks to contributions across the town.
In Parliament, I have scrutinised the Government as a member of Select Committees, authored the Social Value Act and acted as a Parliamentary Private Secretary in the Home Office when Theresa May was Home Secretary. I have challenged local and national Government on topics including the sale of arms to Saudi Arabia, HS2, planning issues, forced academisation of schools and bereavement payments to widows.
I have led and supported submissions to the Industrial Strategy White Paper, working closely with King’s College and the Midlands Manufacturing Network, knowing how important this policy is to our region. I prioritise issues of relevance to Warwick and Leamington and have chaired cross-party groups on Manufacturing, Video Games, Charities and Volunteering, Social Enterprise and Canals and Waterways. I successfully campaigned for the introduction of the Living Wage and also helped achieve tax relief for the video games sector, which is vital for our local economy. I am Vice Chair of the think tank, Policy Connect, established to develop public policy.
I have led a debate on the ‘Midlands Engine’ and have spoken in Parliament on over 40 occasions in the last year on issues ranging from child mental health to the conflict in Yemen.
Much has changed in seven years and I remain as determined as I was when I was first elected to address local issues, building on the experience I have gained. I understand concerns about school funding and will be campaigning for more support. I recognise the challenges we face regarding homelessness and will continue to work with local agencies and national Government to address this serious issue. I grasp the complexity of Brexit and all of its implications. There are pressures on the NHS but I am immensely proud of Warwick Hospital and will help to build on its position as a model of patient care.
I am proud of my record but I will never be complacent on behalf of this constituency or its people. Warwick and Leamington is going in the right direction and it would be a tremendous honour to have the opportunity to serve as its Member of Parliament again. I hope you will be able to support me on June 8 so that together we can build on this success.
Chris White
Conservative
