My focus is to build a stronger Conservative party in Blackpool.
I still firmly believe that the right Conservative team is the best option for the future of Blackpool.
We knew that the situation under the coalition would be economically tough, that cuts and reviews would be essential. What we didn’t know was that the problem inherited from Labour’s abysmal handling of the country’s finances was much larger and more serious than originally anticipated.
We expected, the pay freezes, service cut backs, project reviews and a general tightening of proverbial belt. Those that have accepted the challenge and who understand the reasons are handling the economic situation as well as can be expected. What we do need is the time and patience of the country to resolve the almost bankrupt position the last Labour government left us all in.
The National Conservative Party need to deliver a strong and authoritive mandate to their coalition partners that clearly sets a defined plan of recovery and one that must be agreed by all members of the serving government.
Under my local leadership I will not allow Blackpool Conservatives to be sheep.
We will challenge any decision we think to be wrong no matter which government is in power. Our Priority is to build a better Blackpool regardless of National Politics.
During the four years we were in power in Blackpool we negotiated the biggest level of investment into the town in almost a century. Its there for all to see in the new Headlands, the Tower and Winter Gardens, the fantastic new tram service, investment and financial support new, exciting rides at the Pleasure Beach and also the many enhancements and improvements we made in local communities. Blackpool was certainly a greener, cleaner, safer, happier and more exciting place to live under Conservatives.
We closed down the lap dancing clubs and dodgy parlours that blighted our town and Labour’s first step when they came back into to power was to open them all again !
We now have some young and enthusiastic members in the group who are also serving councillors. The interest in joining the party is increasing. The old ways are gone changes will happen.
I want to assure all voters in the town not just Conservative that I intend to build a Blackpool Conservative Group that is not tied to the apron strings of London that thinks only about the best interests of the town. A Group that will get rid of quango’s, useless forums and unnecessary committees, time consuming ‘scoping meetings’ and all the other bureaucratic nonsense and then deliver a no-nonsense ‘Best Practice Service’ to the people of Blackpool – that’s my Promise.
I want a council that is people focussed, problem solving, and forward thinking there will be no place for paper pushers or job’s worth’s in a Conservative led successful council – action will be recognised- inefficiency wil be disciplined.
The people who live in Blackpool own this town and I will never forget that.
Leader of the Conservative Group Blackpool August 2012