On Monday 24th October 2022, Giles Watling MP, Member of Parliament for Clacton, released the below letter to constituents regarding the Conservative leadership race.
"Dear neighbour,
Given these extraordinary times, I thought I would write to you with an update.
As you know, we have a new Prime Minister… again.
I didn’t endorse any candidate over the weekend as I wanted to consult with businesses in Clacton, Conservative Party members, our hard-working councillors, and local people – plenty of people stopped me in the street which I valued!
Sadly, the field became very small after Boris Johnson decided to pull out of the contest. At this stage, I endorsed Penny Mordaunt. I felt her military, pro-Brexit, and marginal seat background was very inspiring. It was not to be! I know Rishi Sunak will calm the markets and secure the pound. He is a good man and I’ll offer him the same support I have to each leader who has stuck their head above the parapet to serve Clacton and Britain.
One thing I have said is that this sideshow must end. I have never signed a “no confidence letter” in a leader because this type of instability just takes us away from focusing on the nation. I didn’t join the coup against May, nor did I call for Boris to go. People need to focus less on what is good for them and what is good for the nation.
Now is the time for a relentless focus on issues such as energy prices! For my part, the Government know what my great concerns are for Clacton:
- We have dentists I have spoken to who want to come here but the NHS need to make it easier for them to come here and set up shop.
- I remain vexed with how the Marine Management Organisation fail to support local works such as the Naze repairs. The MMO needs to be broken up! I have introduced a Bill to this effect.
- The Planning Inspectorate was wrong to impose new lights in Kirby and I am working with councillors to challenge this.
- We need to see the benefit of the new freeport to areas like Jaywick.
- I am working with the rail companies to see how we can better support and promote Clacton and our leisure and business offer.
I hope that this update was helpful.
In the meantime, if I can be of service, please feel free to email me on giles.watling.mp@parliament.uk.
Giles"