Hitchin MP Bim Afolami declared his support for Tory leadership candidate as soon as the race started.

In his own words, read on for the reasons why our town's Parliamentarian is doing so:

Why I'm backing Rishi Sunak to deliver for Hitchin

This summer, the Conservative Party will elect a new Leader and the country will have a new Prime Minister, writes Bim Afolami MP.

I wanted to set out for local residents why I think that Rishi Sunak is the right man to deliver for Hitchin & Harpenden as our next Prime Minister.

At the start of this process, I told residents that I was looking for a candidate who could deliver on the priorities of people in Hitchin & Harpenden. Tackling the cost of living. Strengthening our economy. And protecting our environment. 

We face some immense challenges. Global inflationary pressures – from the double whammy of the pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine – have pushed up the price of oil and gas, with knock on effects on day-to-day prices. Economic pressures from the most unprecedented series of public health interventions in British history have driven lower than normal growth. Climate change is being felt in earnest – with record temperatures recorded in July reflecting an urgent need to redouble our net zero efforts.

We need someone who has the vision, experience and skills to deliver for local residents from day one. I believe that Rishi Sunak is that candidate. 

In the Treasury, Rishi took tough decisions to help people right across the United Kingdom during the pandemic. And he had begun to put in place plans to help residents in Hitchin & Harpenden with the cost of living – putting more cash in the pockets of families across our community. Rishi will keep public spending under control, provide more support for local people, and bring down taxes once the economic situation allows.

As Chancellor, Rishi had a track record of delivering support for businesses and entrepreneurs. I know that as Prime Minister, he will build on that record – driving growth and delivering opportunities for everyone in Hitchin & Harpenden, whatever their background, skillset or ambitions.

Rishi is also committed to delivering on our net zero agenda – honouring the commitments that we have made to future generations. He will do so in a way that will promote the importance of nature, ensuring that beautiful areas like our local countryside are allowed to thrive and given the support they need to do so. He will also use net zero to drive innovation, investment and economic growth right across the country, making the UK a leader in new technologies, renewable energy and more.

As Prime Minister, Rishi will rebuild our economy, reunify our country and restore trust in Government. He will deliver on the priorities of people in Hitchin & Harpenden and on the promises we made to you in the General Election in 2019. That is why I am backing him.