Rishi Sunak Addresses Northern Conservatives on Levelling Up Agenda and Red Wall Seat Retention

Chancellor Rishi Sunak is expected to speak at a conference of Conservatives in the north of England, where senior party members are looking for signs of the government’s commitment to levelling up pledges.

The conference, organized by the Northern Research Group, will be attended by prominent figures such as Education Secretary Gillian Keegan and former Chancellor George Osborne.

Discussions on devolution, healthcare, and energy are set to take place during the one-day event.

Concerns Over Retaining Red Wall Seats

The conference comes amidst concerns that the Conservative Party will struggle to hold onto the so-called red wall seats in the next general election.

Spread across former Labour heartlands in the north of England, these seats are crucial for the party’s electoral success.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen, one of the speakers at the event, emphasized the importance of not backtracking on the levelling-up agenda and expressed hope that voters would continue to support the Conservatives in the upcoming election.

Tax Cuts and Fiscal Responsibility

The mention of tax cuts received positive reactions at the conference, with Mayor Houchen highlighting the benefits of the current fiscally responsible approach taken by Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Jeremy Hunt.

The focus was on growing the economy faster than the size of the state and reaping the rewards of a sensible fiscal position.

Levelling up minister Dehenna Davison echoed support for tax cuts and emphasized the need to be bolder in transforming and growing the north of England, including the possibility of creating new towns and garden cities.

Northern Research Group’s Advocacy for the North

Chairman of the Northern Research Group, John Stevenson, emphasized the group’s commitment to advocating for the North and securing government investments in the region.

The conference aims to gather ideas and input from attendees to create a Northern Manifesto, which will be launched at the Conservative Party Conference in 2023.

Conclusion:

Rishi Sunak’s address to the conference of Northern Conservatives signifies the government’s focus on the levelling-up agenda and retaining support in the red wall seats.

Discussions on various topics, including devolution and healthcare, aim to shape the Northern Manifesto that will guide the party’s policies and initiatives in the region.

The conference serves as a platform for senior Tories to rally behind the government’s commitments and demonstrate their dedication to transforming and growing the north of England.