Sir Bill Cash hails new era of 'true Conservatism'

Sir Bill Cash said the West Midlands will thrive under a “business focused” Prime Minister, who returns to the Commons this week with a majority of 80 after the Conservatives landslide victory in the general election.

The MP drew parallels between Mr Johnson and Margaret Thatcher, hailing a new era of “true Conservatism”.

And he backed Mr Johnson to “grasp the opportunity” to transform the West Midlands in the same way that he had done for the nation’s capital when he was Mayor of London.

He also claimed that unlike many Tory leaders of the past, the PM has a first-hand insight into what is best for the West Midlands, having spent time living in our region during a spell as a reporter at Express & Star.

Arch Eurosceptic Sir Bill was re-elected in the Staffordshire constituency of Stone with an increased majority of 19,945.

The 79-year-old said his party’s election win and the upcoming departure from the EU would enable the government to ensure the West Midlands would thrive “like never before”.

He said he was “certain” the region would benefit greatly from Brexit, which is due to be triggered at the end of this month after a series of debates and votes on legislation.

“This is big. We are going to transform the West Midlands and the whole country, making it a place where business and enterprise will really succeed and where less well off areas can look to the future in a positive way,” he said.

“It is what I call ‘true Conservatism’.

“If you look at what Margaret Thatcher was able to achieve in terms of transforming the country...Boris Johnson now has that same opportunity – and he will take it.

“It is a new era that begins today.”

Effective

Referencing Mr Johnson’s stint working at the Express & Star, Mr Cash said: “Boris Johnson understands the West Midlands and Staffordshire because he has lived here, and over the years he has been a regular visitor here.

“Unlike many others who never manage to get out of Surrey, he knows the region well.

“He transformed London and I have absolutely no doubt that he’ll grasp the opportunity to do the same for the West Midlands.

“We can look forward to a new and positive business orientated focus, along with better education, global trading and transport connections – although as far as I am concerned, that must not include HS2.”

Sir Bill was speaking during a visit to Cheadle in Staffordshire, which is one of 14 sites to receive government funding through the High Street Task Force. Others include West Bromwich and Stirchley in Birmingham.

Meanwhile West Midlands MP Daniel Kawczynski has warned that Sir Keir Starmer would be a formidable opponent for the Tories should he win the Labour leadership contest.

Sir Keir is the favourite to succeed outgoing leader Jeremy Corbyn, who guided Labour to its worst general election performance since 1935.

And Shrewsbury and Atcham MP Mr Kawczynski said that under Sir Keir, Labour would head in a much more pro-EU direction, leading to lively debates about Britain’s future relationship with the EU.

"I think Labour Party members will learn the lesson from their defeat and will go for Keir Starmer, who is head and shoulders above some of the other candidates,” he said.

”It will be a much more effective opposition that will keep us on our toes, quite rightly."