Open letter to Constituents
Removing a Prime Minister from office mid-term is a serious matter, not to be undertaken lightly or in the heat of the moment. The country is emerging from a once in a generation crisis. All the machinery of Government is focused on our recovery and there is serious work to be done. This is not the time to destabilise Government by removing the leadership.
Like everyone, I was shocked by the events at No.10 during lockdown, the drinking culture and the lack of respect for the office of Prime Minister. I am concerned that the people around the Prime Minister lack the discipline and seriousness needed to get the job done. This cannot continue.
I have been deeply moved by the sacrifices and hardships my constituents have suffered during lockdown. People stuck to the most prescriptive of rules that often served only to cause distress and suffering. People are understandably angry and upset to hear of rule breaking in No.10. My constituents are owed a heartfelt apology.
The Prime Minister has a strong personal mandate from voters. The strength of this personal mandate is well illustrated by the General Election results in Telford over recent years. In Telford, under David Cameron in 2015 the Conservative Party won by 720 votes, under Theresa May in 2017, the Conservative Party won by 710 votes and under Boris Johnson in 2019 the Conservatives Party won by 11,000 votes with a 60% share of the vote.
Having seen how politicians and commentators were determined to disrespect the Brexit vote, I cannot support removing a Prime Minister, elected by the people to serve until the next election. Let’s not forget it was this Prime Minster that ensured the people’s vote at the referendum in 2016 was eventually honoured.
Those who believe they know better than the people speaking through the ballot box undermine our democracy. I respect the vote of my constituents and for this reason I will not be calling for the Prime Minister’s resignation.
I have expressed my concerns to the Prime Minister about the conduct and culture at No.10 and I look forward to fundamental change.
