Labour has inherited our great innovations – Freeport and the National Marine Park. But we shake off any blame or criticism and regroup to come back stronger.
The most significant issue was the attack on car-ownership. Council Tax rises were also unpopular. Attempts by residents to renovate their properties, via the addition of dormer roofs or loft extensions, have been resisted.
There will be no congestion charge, no pay per mile, no London-style ULEZ expansion for as long as I am Mayor.
Our mantra must be that finances are better managed by Conservatives than Labour.
Roads are disintegrating, drains go uncleared, weeds grow unhindered, endless cycle lanes, and the Clean Air Zone saga have shown what a Labour government devoid of ideas and principles looks like.
We are seeing a very significant drive towards film, TV and wider productions being a solid part of our strategy for regeneration.
The Council received a Government grant of £12.2 million to refurbish the old Swimming Baths. Labour decided they would use the funding as a contribution towards building a new Leisure Centre which in addition would require borrowing of over £20 million.
In each Budget, significant savings have been included, then within a few weeks into the new financial year, they become impossible due to the lack of political will.
Those messages were short and punchy. A promise to ‘Freeze Council Tax’ was strongly pushed online and in leaflets – despite there being absolutely no chance of it happening.
We have a Children’s Social Services Department that has been rated as inadequate by OFSTED and things are so bad that a Commissioner has been sent in to oversee the necessary improvements.
After 13 years in power, Labour’s legacy is one of debt, lower quality services, and higher taxes. We need reforms to limit debt and encourage a sharper focus on efficient service delivery.
Labour councillors complain about the lack of Government funding whilst continuously wasting public money. Spending nearly five hours at the full council meeting debating the conflict in Gaza is not a good use of time.
It is increasingly obvious to me that our success lies in finding those local issues which we care about passionately and which really matter to our residents.
Some constituencies could be challenging. But we have seen the back of a ‘progressive’ coalition in County Hall, comprising Liberal Democrats, Labour, and the odd Green Councillor.
A prolonged issue concerning damp and mould was insufficiently addressed until it garnered national attention. If the Conservatives gain control we will ensure effective maintenance of our housing stock.