Column: Disappointment, Challenges, and Opportunities for Guildford’s Future

Published on: 12 Dec, 2024
Updated on: 12 Dec, 2024

Having heard from Guildford’s Lib Dem MP, Zöe Franklin (see: Guildford’s MP Writes – Championing the Needs of Guildford and Our Villages), Guildford Conservatives were also invited to report…

Thom Van Every

By Thom Van Every

chair of Guildford Conservatives

We at Guildford Conservatives, were deeply disappointed to lose Angela Richardson as our MP back in July.

Despite Angela’s tireless work and the positive impact she had on countless residents since her election in 2019, the national political climate made it difficult to withstand the tide against the Conservative Party.

However, as challenging as her departure has been, it is even more disheartening to see the tangible effects of the Labour government on our local community. Many of Guildford’s residents and businesses are struggling, and we believe it’s essential to highlight these issues.

Our elderly residents, for instance, are feeling the strain of cuts to the Winter Fuel Allowance. This is especially concerning for those just above the threshold for additional benefits, who now find themselves in a vulnerable position.

Additionally, the government’s decision to introduce VAT on private education has a disproportionate impact on Surrey, where more than 40,000 children attend private schools.

As Conservatives, we believe in empowering parents with the choice of where to educate their children. Sadly, many families who have made sacrifices to send their children to private school may no longer be able to afford this option.

This will not only disrupt children’s education but also place a greater burden on taxpayers, who will ultimately bear the cost of public education. And the decision to impose the VAT in January, in the middle of the academic year when it’s challenging to move school, is simply cruel.

While much has been discussed about changes to Inheritance Tax Relief for farmers, it is crucial to remember that family-run businesses—the backbone of Guildford—are also facing significant challenges due to the cutting of Business Inheritance Tax Relief. We fear these changes could jeopardize the survival of these vital local enterprises.

Additionally, with the increase in Employer National Insurance contributions, businesses throughout Guildford will struggle to cope, leading to job losses and reduced pay increases. We’re struggling to see how this can be a budget for growth. And the Conservatives, as a party that is pro-enterprise and pro-entrepreneurship, will always campaign against approaches that penalise those we need to help Guildford and the country grow.

It is important to remember that voting for the Liberal Democrats in Guildford effectively means voting for Labour in Parliament. This reality is one worth reflecting on as we find ourselves in this sorry state.

Election Maps poll result as published on X

On a more positive note, we’re encouraged to see the Conservative Party making strides in national polling, with our party now ahead of Labour. In Guildford, as we engage with residents on the doorsteps, we hear more and more people expressing regret for their voting decision. And we will continue to listen and respond to concerns to rebuild voters’ belief in the Conservatives.