This is a brave and decisive move by the Prime Minister. Our country needs strong and stable leadership. Only by re-electing Theresa May can that strength and stability be delivered.
It’s vital that Cheltenham continues to have influence at the heart of government. In just two years Cheltenham’s voice has been heard loud and clear. Even the Labour Shadow Leader of the House has said “Alex Chalk…has made an incredible contribution and shown that things can be done from the back benches”.
I’m hugely proud of what has been achieved in such a short period. Cheltenham is one of just two national cyber innovation centres. Earlier this year we won £22m in Government investment which will turn our town into a national centre of excellence,.
We’ve gained increased resources for our local NHS in areas like peri-natal mental health and cancer treatment. Between 2005 and 2015 Cheltenham felt like the Cinderella of Gloucestershire’s NHS, losing night-time A&E. At last local health bosses are looking at a new model of night time urgent care for our town.
We’ve also won a pledge of major investment (£250m) for the A417. My campaign against e-poverty has seen new investment in broadband and mobile phone coverage. More than half Cheltenham’s broadband ‘not-spots’ now have superfast broadband.
There has been great progress on issues close to my heart. After a long campaign which I led on behalf of a Cheltenham GP, I managed to achieve a change in the law – doubling the maximum sentence and increasing protections for victims of stalking. And I was able to secure more investment in midwives to help with babies suffering from tongue-tie.
I’m proud that Cheltenham is leading the national debate regarding the impact of social media on children’s mental health. A few weeks ago, Bournside School hosted the country’s first ever Facebook Live event.
There is so much more to do for our town. I’m looking forward to setting out my vision for Cheltenham over the next five years.
Ultimately though, this election is about two issues: stability for Britain and influence for Cheltenham. Our town is now at the heart of our country’s decision making. Going forward, it deserves nothing less.