The starting gun has been fired on the most important General Election for a generation. Here in Rugby and Bulkington, my team and I have already been out and about talking to local people – as we have been doing all throughout my time as your local MP – about the issues that matter to them.
At this election the Conservatives offer a strong Government, led by David Cameron, with a long-term economic plan to get Britain back on track.
Over the past five years in Government, we Conservatives have:
1. Made real progress on reducing our deficit – halving it as a share of the economy. This safeguards our economy for the long-term and keeps mortgage rates low.
2. Cut income tax for 26 million people. We have delivered a typical tax cut of £705 for 26 million people and taken 3 million people out of tax altogether helping hardworking people to be more financially secure.
3. Frozen fuel duty. Fuel duty is 20p per litre lower than it would have been without our action meaning that the average family saves £11 every time they fill up their tank.
4. Created more jobs. Employment is up by 1.85 million since the election. That’s 1.85 million more people with the security of bringing home a regular pay packet.
5. Backed businesses. Because we have backed small business and enterprise with better infrastructure and lower taxes there are 760,000 more businesses since 2010, helping drive growth and create jobs.
6. Capped welfare. So that no out-of work household can claim more than the average working family earns to ensure our economy supports people who want to work hard and play by the rules.
7. Delivered the best schools for young people. A million more pupils are being taught in good or outstanding schools since 2010.
8. Delivered the best skills training. There have been 2 million new apprenticeships in this parliament giving young and old the chance to learn the skills they need to get on in life.
9. Secured a cut in the EU budget and vetoed a new EU Fiscal Treaty. This has protected British interests and saving British taxpayers’ money.
10. Driven crime down by more than a fifth. Crime is at its lowest level since records began, meaning people are safer on the streets and in their home.
Of course, I know that there is still more work to be done and the Conservatives have set out a clear plan for our country's future. I will continue to work hard and campaign to protect our much valued services and ensure the important investment as we go forward.
I look forward to seeing you on the doorstep!