James Wild MP backs Kemi Badenoch’s ‘radical’ steps to get Conservative Party back on track

James Wild has backed the “radical” steps the Conservative Party is taking to win over voters once again.

The North West Norfolk MP has been impressed by Tory leader Kemi Badenoch at the party conference in Manchester this week.

He is keen to see the Conservatives create “stronger borders” and reform the welfare system, while providing more support for struggling businesses.

This comes as Ms Badenoch has pledged to cut business rates for pubs and shops, as well as abolish stamp duty.

“Kemi is the only politician levelling with the public about the challenges we face and the need to live within our means,” Mr Wild told the Lynn News.

“We can’t continue with higher taxes, higher spending, and higher borrowing. This week she set out serious plans to deliver a stronger economy and stronger borders.

“By contrast, the Government is getting ready to hike taxes again and Reform want to spend more on benefits and don’t have proper answers on the economy.”

We asked for Mr Wild’s thoughts on the key announcements from the party conference.

He said: “This conference set out strong measures to boost the economy and help young people to get on the housing ladder.

“One of the best announcements was to scrap stamp duty on house-buying, saving thousands of pounds and increasing social mobility and it is coupled with £5,000 for people in their first job which can be used as part of the deposit on a home or for other purposes. This is about aspiration and reward work.”

“Our pubs, shops and wider hospitality businesses have been hammered by the Labour Government with a doubling of business, rates as well as National instance hike.

“By taking the radical step to scrap business rates, we will help revitalise our high streets and support sectors employing thousands of people locally.

“Welfare spending is unsustainable, which is unfair for taxpayers and unfair for people being written off.

“By reforming welfare support and limiting it to British people we can help get the costs under control and boost our economy.”

We also asked what Mr Wild wants to see from the Tories and Ms Badenoch as the party looks to wrestle back voters from Reform and Labour.

He admitted that when last year’s general election came around, “too many people” were not sure what the Conservatives stood for.

He defiantly said: “This conference set that out very clearly - we are on the side of people who work hard and do the right thing, living within our means, backing businesses and having a strong economy, and protecting our borders.”