Jeremy Hunt Agrees with Waverley Leader – New Housing Targets Are ‘Unachievable’

Published on: 1 Dec, 2024
Updated on: 1 Dec, 2024

Jeremy Hunt was interviewed by Dragon editor Martin Giles

Former Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt, now a backbench Conservative MP representing the new constituency of Godalming and Ash, is reported to have decided that he would stand down from the shadow cabinet after the new party leader, Kemi Badenoch, was elected.

He cited as his reasons the “big drubbing in the election” and the need to “reflect on that and show new faces to the country”. He also confirmed that he would remain on the backbenches for the “next few years, at least”.

Dragon editor Martin Giles grabbed the chance to put a few questions to him before he chaired a public meeting in Bramley at St Catherine’s School.

Fresh from the Parliamentary debate on Assisted Dying, the local MP explains his reasoning for supporting the Bill.

He also answers questions on the new housing targets set for Waverley and why he agrees with the Lib Dem leader of Waverley Borough Council, Paul Follows, that they are unachievable.

Other questions are: does he accept the connection between the unprecedented levels of net migration during his party’s time in power and the housing shortage? Does he accept responsibility?

What does he think about the impact of changes to inheritance tax rules on local residents, in particular farmers?

He also gives his views on the delayed opening of the Ash road bridge and the ongoing recovery work in Bramley village following the underground petrol leak.