Over recent weeks, Liz Truss' Government has made considerable errors of judgement with the speed and scale of its policy proposals. Announcing substantial reforms at a time of challenging fiscal pressures damaged trust in our ability to master the country’s economic policy. Government policy is not the only hand on the tiller, and it is impossible to deliver growth without the trust of the public and the confidence of the financial market.
On Monday, the new Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, signalled that our route to a stronger, more sustainable economy is through fiscal prudence, responsible planning, and smart interventions. It was entirely right that he acted swiftly to steady the ship. The kind of pragmatic conservatism needed in these tough times.
The announcements made on Monday corrected our course towards growth which means a brighter future for the next generation, more money for public services – health, defence, education – and less burdensome tax regimes. To reach that destination the new Chancellor understood the need to reassess the Government's pledges and immediate priorities.
I am grateful to those who have shared their views with me on economic policy over the past weeks following the mini-budget. I will continue to do my absolute best to deliver the kind of Conservative leadership constituents in Hitchin & Harpenden expect, both in good times and in times less certain.
