Tory leadership candidate Tom Tugendhat was on Teesside on Friday night as he hopes to take the party’s reins from Rishi Sunak.
On a visit to Teesworks where he met Conservative peer and mayor Ben Houchen, Tugendhat said the party must overcome infighting in Westminster.
The former security minister said the party could learn the lessons from Ben Houchen and Teesside, who has bucked national trends and is the country’s only Tory mayor, because “he has consistently delivered what he said he would”.
Mr Tugendhat said: “The economic rejuvenation that Ben is delivering across Teesside shows what can be achieved with focus and determination and more importantly when you do what you say you will. He promised, he delivered, and was rightly re-elected.
“Unfortunately, those in Westminster far too often forgot about the principles that have made us the most successful democratic party in the world. Instead of delivering on our promises to cut taxes, lower immigration and to champion personal freedoms we chose infighting, chaos and ultimately defeat in Westminster.
“We didn’t do what we said we would, and we lost the trust of the British people.
“If we are to rebuild the nation’s trust, we need to learn from Ben and from Teesside. Our party must unite behind core conservative values and show we are the party who delivers for everyone.
“As Leader of the Conservative Party, I will unite our party, rebuild trust with the British people, and win in five years’ time.”
Recommended reading:
- Tributes paid to man who died after motorcycle crashed into County Durham road sign
- Teesside Airport hits first profit in 12 years - but 'significant challenges' remain
- Darlington pensioner may have taken own life after finding wife dead, court told
Get more from The Northern Echo with a digital subscription. Get access for 6 months for just £6, or get 50% off an annual subscription with our latest offer. Click here.
A former soldier, Mr Tugendhat is one of six contenders for the Tory leadership, along with former home secretaries James Cleverly and Dame Priti Patel, former immigration minister Robert Jenrick, former business secretary Kemi Badenoch and former work and pensions secretary Mel Stride.
This is Mr Tugendhat’s second bid for the role, having stood in the first leadership contest in 2022. He was eliminated in the third round of voting by MPs.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel