Readers will no doubt be aware that we are now in the process of electing a new leader of the Conservative Party and Prime Minister, following the resignation of Boris Johnson last month and I welcomed this as the right decision for the country.
The reason I have been arguing for change is so that we can continue to deliver on the Government’s legislative agenda – the manifesto I both stood on and was elected on – with a refreshed approach and without it undermined by the continuous issues emanating from Downing Street.
Following a series of votes in Westminster, we have now been left with two strong candidates who have been setting out their ideas on how to reassert our priorities and address the issues gripping us as a nation. I am hopeful that that a change in leadership will restore integrity in government and confidence in our politicians that so many have lost.
Another major challenge facing us this summer is that posed by the recent hot weather. Whilst I know this is welcomed by many on school holidays and those opting for a staycation this summer, we must recognise there are risks that have the potential to impact residents. This includes temporary hosepipe bans, though I would highlight that these are determined by individual water companies.
This does remind us, however, of the importance of infrastructure. There have been no new reservoirs in the Southeast of England, certainly in my lifetime, despite the thousands of extra homes that have been built over this period. This is an example of the kind of issue the APPG for Housing and Planning, of which I am the Chair, can be looking at in Parliament once we return in September.
Lastly, whilst the situation in Ukraine remains unstable, we have seen oil and grain prices starting to fall, which I know will being some welcome relief on cost-of-living issues. However, the impact of the Russian attack will be felt for some time and emphasises the importance of ‘green energy’ in protecting UK household budgets from volatile, rising fossil fuel costs.
