We asked General Election candidate Gavin Williamson (Conservative Party) your questions – here’s their candidate profile which answers them.
Candidates may be providing answers before the publication of their party’s manifesto. Therefore, things may develop or be updated after these have been published.
Candidate Details:
- Constituency: Stone, Great Wryley and Penkridge
- Which city/town/village do you live in? : Codsall, Staffordshire
- Is it within the constituency boundary of the new seat? (If no, please advise whether you intend to move within the constituency and if so in what timeframe) : It is 500m from the boundary of the new seat. During my 14 years as a Member of Parliament for South Staffordshire, I always lived in the constituency. If I am fortunate enough to be elected the Member of Parliament for Stone, Great Wyrley, and Penkridge, I will move into the constituency with immediate effect.
Personal Background :
Prior to entering politics, I worked in manufacturing and was a Managing Director of a large Staffordshire-based ceramics company with global supply chain networks. Furthermore, I worked for an architectural design firm. I have been married for 23 years and have two daughters aged 19 and 17.
Political Background :
I was elected as a County Councillor in North Yorkshire in 2001.
In 2010, I was fortunate enough to be elected as the Member of Parliament for South Staffordshire. Further to my duties as a Member of Parliament, I have held several Secretary of State roles including in Defence and Education as well as working in various Ministerial capacities. I have also been the Chairman of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
Candidate Question:
The new constituency seat is geographically extensive. If you are elected as our MP, how will
you ensure that the town of Stone gets the representation it needs?
Being visible and active in the community is key to representation as alluded to earlier it is vital for an MP to be seen as well as being accessible to constituents. If I am elected, I will be opening an office on Stone High Street within one month of the post-election period – enabling residents to raise any concerns or seek advice and support. I will hold regular surgeries (as I did as the MP for South Staffordshire), visit businesses, attend events, and champion Stone in Parliament.
How will you keep in touch with Stone residents if you are elected as our MP?
I am very active on social media – keeping constituents up to date with my work and also promoting the various businesses/organisations that I have visited in Staffordshire. I write two ‘blog posts’ each month on issues of local and national importance, as well as maintaining a website which includes information regarding campaigns and constituency matters. Furthermore, I can always promise a response to correspondence either via letter or email, whilst there will be a dedicated telephone line to my constituency office from 9am to 5pm every weekday.
Why are you standing to be our MP?
Quite-simply because I am committed to public service and representing the interests of residents. Over half of the current constituency is made-up of areas I represented for 14 years, and I am excited about the prospect of representing Stone – a town rich in history and industry, with a clear identity that I am so keen to protect.
How will you address the lack of NHS services in the area? Currently, no local dentists are taking on adult NHS patients, and waiting times for doctors are often measured in weeks – not days.
Stone has the same number of dental practices and GP surgeries than 20 years ago. Local infrastructure is not keeping up with a housing development surge – this is something which needs to be addressed. As well as this, I will work with stakeholders, commissioning groups, and Government to ensure that Stone residents can access the services they need when they need them.
I have a strong track record in supporting the delivery of NHS services, whether it is driving extra capacity in places such as Brewood or Great Wyrley or raising waiting times and appointment availability with managers and groups. Getting greater access to dentistry and medical services is one of my key priorities.
What do you see as the biggest threat to High Streets like Stone, and what will you and your party do to ensure it thrives?
The proliferation of digital technology has undeniably changed the way that we live. This has been reflected in visitors to the High Street, but there is still a clear demand for a vibrant centre that combines retail alongside hospitality and entertainment.
I have held many conversations with major retailers who are considering operating in Stone High Street. This is a very positive step, which will increase footfall and in-turn support small-businesses to continue innovating and offering unique products/services. Furthermore, I have held meetings with organisations such as Stone Traders to understand the requirements of business owners, and also with groups such as Historic England to regenerate buildings which will make the High Street an attractive place to work and visit.
I believe it is essential that free parking in the High Street is offered to visitors. For too long, Labour and Independent Borough Councillors have denied this provision, thus dealing a blow to small-businesses who would benefit from increased footfall. If elected, I will continue to make a strong argument in favour of free parking.
Public transport has declined severely over the past 10 years. Today, no bus services allow residents to get from the estates across Stone into the town centre. Our train service has been severely reduced, meaning fewer trains are going to fewer destinations. What will you and your party do to help re-establish local transport links that will allow residents, workers, and visitors to leave their cars at home?
Public transport is a lifeline for so many, and I recognise its incredible importance in ensuring people can travel to work and visit friends/family. Interconnectivity boosts local economies, increases socialisation, and creates employment.
Therefore, increasing choice and timetable availability is something I have been actively campaigning for over a number of years. Whether this is expanding services at Landywood Station, or saving rural bus services – I have always been committed to prioritising public transport. Public transportation is also an important aspect to attract people back into the High Streets, and I will work with bus companies, local authorities, and others to provide solutions that enable people to travel across Stone.We also need to see direct services from Stone Station to major cities such as Birmingham and Manchester. Currently there are no direct trains to either – causing greater delays and inconvenience. I have already discussed this matter with Ministers, and if elected, will be further reinforcing the need for better connectivity to and from Stone.
Since the closure and sale of Stone police station, we haven’t had a visible police presence to investigate or deter crime. What would you do to address this?
A base of some type within the Town Centre is absolutely vital to creating reassurance within the community as well acting as a deterrent to criminal activity. As a Member of Parliament for South Staffordshire, I was instrumental in working with Staffordshire Police to open a new base in the centre of the constituency. This drastically cut response times, increased police presence, and provided a location for residents to report crime.If elected, I will work with the Police and Crime Commissioner, Staffordshire Police, and the community to ensure that a base returns.
The cost-of-living crisis has hit everyone in their pocket. Despite a slowdown in inflation, prices are still significantly higher than a few years ago – and unless we see deflation, they won’t be reducing. What will you and your party do to ensure the electorate feels like their spending power has been restored?
We have seen unprecedented support provided to people during challenging times with the war in Ukraine and the pandemic creating acute pressures. This has included the Energy Price Guarantee which equated to £3,700 per household and other unprecedented packages of support such as Cost of Living Payments – paid to eight million households and six million people on eligible disability benefits. Additionally, the Government is providing an additional £500 million of funding to enable the extension of the Household Support Fund to September 2024.
We must also ensure that work pays, which is why I strongly welcome the 4% cut to National Insurance and the Government’s long-term commitment to end the unfairness of double taxation. These measures will ensure more cash in people’s pockets as well as increased financial security.
If elected, what would you do to substantially increase the availability of good-quality social housing for rent and affordable properties for first-time buyers?
I have a strong relationship with local authorities and housing organisations in Staffordshire and often work with them to maximise their housing stock and ensure homes are available to those who need them most. The Prime Minister has unveiled the new Help to Buy Scheme which will enable first time buyers to get on the property ladder.
The scheme would provide first time buyers with an equity loan of up to 20% toward the cost of a new-build home. This will allow first-time buyers to buy a first home with a 5% deposit. I will ensure this scheme is implemented if a Conservative Government is returned, and if I am elected under a Labour Government, I will push them to be clear on first-time buyer policies.
Stone’s roads and pavements are in a terrible state despite regular news reports about additional funding for pothole repairs. How will you ensure that our roads and pavements are safe and suitable for all users?
Every day I report potholes and road defects whilst making strong representations to Staffordshire County Council regarding problematic areas. I am committed to doing exactly the same for Stone if I am elected.
One of the main reasons that I fought so incredibly hard for the cancellation of Phase 2A of HS2, was to see the money earmarked for the project directed to local infrastructure that can be used to fix potholes and surfaces. A record £8.3 billion has been earmarked to fix the blight of potholes, however, I agree that we now need to see that money put to use. If elected, I can assure you that from day one I will be working with the County Council and the Government to ensure that Stone’s roads and pavements are fit for purpose.
Roadworks have had a significant impact over the last few years. While investment is welcome, it seems that companies taking public cash rarely work as quickly as they could – we often see long periods of time with no workers or they have all gone home early in the afternoon. What solutions would you like to see implemented that would ensure that 3rd party contractors work quickly and efficiently to ensure that roadworks are completed in a timely manner?
It is highly infuriating to see sections of road closed off, and temporary traffic lights in operation without a spade in sight. Too many times, companies are working at a snail’s pace to finish projects and this must be addressed. I do not believe it is right to blame workers who do everything that they can, but we must look at the management structures of these companies to ensure that adequate resource and direction is being implemented to support those on the ground.
Stone is a rural town; what will you and your party do to support rural businesses and workers?
I represented a rural constituency as its Member of Parliament for 14 years and therefore I am uniquely placed to understand the issues and challenges faced by rural businesses and workers. I have been actively involved in combatting rural crime – working with the police and landowners to drive this crime out of Staffordshire, whilst supporting workers who have sadly witnessed the effects.
Furthermore, I have supported businesses with various grant applications whilst signposting them to organisations and services. We must also look at accessibility and opportunities to further develop industry and provide the tools they need to thrive.
As a canal town and a town with a world-renowned canoeing club, what will you and your party do to ensure that our waterways are well-maintained and free from sewage?
The level of raw sewage that has been dumped in our waters is completely unsatisfactory. Water companies must do more to invest in infrastructure and be accountable for their actions. I have held several meetings with water companies to discuss the effects of sewage discharge on the health of the River Trent as well as ensuring the water is safe for clubs and organisations to use.
It feels like politicians focus on the vote-winning older generations. What will you and your party do to support teenagers and young adults who are experiencing issues accessing things like education, jobs and mental health services?
As the Secretary of State for Education, I was instrumental in introducing the Skills Bill which saw hundreds of millions of pounds given to colleges and universities to offer more training opportunities and equip young people with the skills they need to enter the world of work.
I have also strongly campaigned for an increase in apprenticeship opportunities as an alternative to University – enabling young people to earn whilst they work. The Government is increasing apprenticeship funding to £2.7 million by the 2024/25 financial year to enable more businesses to launch apprenticeship schemes.
I have also worked with the Government on the National Citizen Service to provide young people from disadvantaged backgrounds with the opportunity to develop life skills that improve their confidence and employability.
It is so vital that we provide mental health support for young people. Therefore, I strongly welcome that the NHS Long Term Plan increased investment in mental health services by at least £2.3 billion a year by 2023/24 so that an additional 345,000 children and young people are now able to get the necessary NHS-funded mental health support.
Most people agree that walking is very beneficial—how can we ensure that our network of rights-of-way is properly maintained and available to all?
I am a keen walker and strongly advocate for rights to access our countryside and other walkways. £200 million has already been invested in cycling and walking schemes to encourage active travel. If elected, I will work with community leaders to ensure that Stone can benefit from this funding.
I also welcome an amendment to the Highway Code which allows for a ‘hierarchy of road users’ – whereby cyclists and walkers are given priority in terms of access which will reduce potential traffic collisions and accidents.
What will you and your party do to control both legal and illegal immigration?
The number of people entering this country illegally is far too high. The vast numbers of people arriving is putting a great deal of strain on our resources and we must do all we can to bring those numbers down. We have seen some progress such as agreeing a returns deal with Albania, and investing £500 million in more officers to patrol French beaches to deter channel crossings; but I recognise more must be done.
We must break the cycle of smuggling-gangs preying on those desperate to reach the United Kingdom, work with manufacturers of small boats to stop their distribution to those who attempt to use them as a way of transporting migrants, and indeed work with countries world-wide to improve humanitarian access which will in turn reduce legal migration.
We need the Rwanda scheme to be in full operation. For far too long the unelected House of Lords has thwarted reasonable attempts to send refugees to a safe third country, whilst politically minded lawyers are disrupting the legal process at an enormous cost to taxpayers. This must end.
Locally, I campaigned on the end of hotels and student accommodation to house asylum-seekers across Staffordshire including the Hatherton Hotel in Penkridge, the Roman Way Hotel in Hatherton, and the Holiday Inn in Cannock.
What’s your opinion on the climate crisis? What should individuals and the government do to ensure our children and grandchildren can grow up in a healthy environment?
I was proud to be part of a Government that introduced legally-binding net-zero targets as well as making great strides to improve air quality. The UK is the first major economy to halve its emissions having cut them by 50% between 1990 and 2022, whilst measures included in the Ten Point Plan sets out a clear plan for the changes needed to secure our energy, so we do not rely on hostile actors.
But the balance must be struck between tackling climate change, and not imposing further financial pressures on hard-working families. Therefore, it is welcome that we still can deliver the environmental changes needed to secure our families future, whilst also reducing the economic cost as has been outlined by The Climate Change Committee.
“Why should I vote for you? All politicians lie and say what they want to get elected.” – How do you respond to this statement?
I have always been a hard-working constituency Member of Parliament whether that is dealing with 7,000 pieces of casework a year, supporting businesses, delivering legislation change, or protecting the unique identity of our towns and cities – I will always be there. If I am fortunate enough to be elected as the Member of Parliament for Stone, Great Wyrley, and Penkridge, I will fight for your interests and I will fight for the interests of our area.
As our MP, how would you ensure that independent publications like A Little Bit of Stone get the support they need? Whether that’s protection from big tech companies scraping our content, suppressing our content or ensuring that public money is available to help create a sustainable business?
I was a strong supporter of the majority of the findings from the independent Cairncross review. This looked into the future of local journalism and how online outlets such as A Little Bit of Stone can transition into sustainable business models.
A range of fiscal and regulatory interventions have already been made such as: delivery of the £2 million Future News Fund, the zero rating of VAT on e-newspapers, and the extension of a 2017 business rates relief on local news office spaces until 2025. I also welcome the investment from organisations such as the BBC to fund Local New Partnership, that helps news organisations to deliver trusted news free from bias.
If elected, what would be the top five areas on which you’d be concentrating your efforts?
I have already covered a lot of my top five areas, but in short these will be: protecting our countryside and communities from overdevelopment, regenerating our High Streets, increasing public transport services, combatting crime, and working with organisations/stakeholders to ensure local people get the local medical care that they need.
Closing Statement, why should people vote for you?
Being a Member of Parliament is an absolute privilege, many people understandably believe that politics is conducted in the halls of Westminster. However, I have always put community first. Getting embedded into the community, supporting residents with issues ranging from housing through to transport issues, is something that is absolutely imperative to me. A vote for me, is a vote for a local representative that will champion the issues that matter most to you. Whether that is speaking in Parliamentary debates, attending events, holding surgeries, or just being at the end of an email or telephone call, I will be there for you and representing the values that matter most.
Don’t forget, https://stones.vote is our website dedicated to all things about the election!
1 comment
J
Disappointing he was not asked, that after been sacked from the cabinet, once for lying linked to leaking of National Security information and then his incompetence over the exams and grading fiascos, and finally being forced to resign after the allegations of his bullying of staff became public.
– So why should the electorate trust you based on this track record?