I remember when I was an officer cadet at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst our motto was ‘Serve to Lead’. Having served 28 years in the Army and now hoping to be an MP once more I very much feel I could be back in metaphorical uniform. I want to ‘serve’ the people of my constituency so I am in a good position to ‘lead’ on behalf of Beckenham at national level.
The choice facing voters is crystal clear. Essentially, either the electorate will vote in the Conservatives - a party that has made some very brave and hurtful decisions to try and get our economy back in shape – or they will vote for Labour – a party that wrecked the economy for 13 years and would complete the job if it again had power.
It is clear there is still a lot that we need to sort out – particularly the country’s finances which are well on the way to being fixed. We mustn’t capitulate now and allow all that has been achieved to go to waste.
Clearly we haven’t finished the job – for instance, having a referendum on the EU which can only be achieved by a Conservative Government. That is why it is so vital that everyone who votes tomorrow really thinks before the put a cross on their ballot forms. The choice is clear. Voting for the Conservatives will give political, economic and social certainty as well as putting the nation’s finances back in order. Voting for Labour will mean we will have political, economic and social turmoil as well as more taxes, borrowing and debt.
Since the Second World War Labour Governments have always ruined our national finances and Conservative governments have always had to put them right. We haven’t put things right yet but we will – provided voters give us that chance tomorrow. I pray they do for the sake of our country, our children and our grandchildren.