Dear Editor,

It may sound strange coming from a former Conservative MP, but I respect Chris Vince MP for standing strongly by Keir Starmer. Loyalty is an important human virtue.

Reflecting on my own time as an MP, I have learned how damaging it is to change Prime Ministers before a General Election. I understand the immense pressure from constituents, colleagues, and the media to join the “stampeding herd” in condemning a leader. Looking back, I know I would have behaved differently.

While political squabbling continues, our economy is struggling, the cost of living is increasing, and businesses are being damaged by instability. Furthermore, the conflict in Iran is having significant global ramifications. We need political stability, not endless upheaval.

This is not to overlook the Government’s failings; taxes are too high, unemployment is rising, and borrowing has reached an all-time high. The progress made in building an “apprenticeships and skills nation” is at signiificant risk of being undermined.

However, a change of leadership should be decided by the public at a General Election, just as at last week’s local elections, the public decided to give a strong no to Labour.

Yours sincerely

Rt Hon Robert Halfon
Managing Director, Ladder of Opportunity Consulting