Every fortnight Kevin writes a "Kev's Column" for the Torbay Weekly and you can read the latest edition (Published on Thursday 28th July 2022) below:
Leadership
Last week saw the Parliamentary Phase of the Conservative Party Leadership Contest reach its climax.
A leadership election is like any other election, campaign teams will identify who is likely to vote for which candidate and who is undecided. They will reach out with messages and campaign materials to persuade those who are undecided to vote for their candidate. Despite some media commentary most of it is done on a friendly basis as the campaign teams all know each other well.
After a positive discussion on how we best regenerate our Town Centres, tackle the cost-of-living crisis, reform our planning process, support Ukraine, ensure levelling up benefits the Southwest, deliver the planned investment of up to £350m due for Torbay Hospital and create affordable homes, I decided to vote for Liz Truss.
Both Liz and Rishi Sunak were successful in being selected by MPs to proceed to the final phase of the leadership contest, a vote of all party members, including hundreds here in our bay. I look forward to hearing both outline not only how they will lead the party, but the vision they have for our country and its future.
Unauthorised Encampments
Many residents got in touch with me about the unauthorised encampments on Hollicombe Park and at Torre Abbey Meadows.
I immediately raised with both Torbay Council and the Police what the plans were to remove them, not least given the changes to the law which came into effect on 28th June which give additional powers to move on such encampments and bar their return for a longer period. The new law is based on what has been in place in the Republic of Ireland for some time and has helped combat this problem, despite some of the opposition at Westminster to it.
In response to my initial enquiries with Torbay Council I received a response from the Council Leadership claiming the Police were not able to move the encampments on. This did not sound correct, so I was grateful for the update from our local Police setting out what action could be taken by them in support of the council in dealing with this issue. At time of writing the process is underway to remove these encampments.
The relevant authorities must quickly tackle those who abuse our key public spaces for a free summer holiday.
Summer Recess
It is common to see reports in the national media MPs are “on holiday” during the Summer Recess.
Whilst I will take some time to be with family, I will be spending most of it working here in our bay.
Surgery Times
My next surgeries are on: Friday 29th July 10am till 12noon at 5-7 East St, Torquay, TQ2 5SD and Saturday 20th August 11am till 1pm at Preston Baptist Church, 62 Old Torquay Rd, Paignton TQ3 2RB.
For an appointment you can either email me at [email protected] or leave a message on 01803 214989, surgeries are for personal queries from residents they would like me to help them with, such as housing or welfare, rather than a wider policy debate. There are also drop-in sessions at my office 5-7 East St, Torquay, TQ2 5SD between 10am & 1pm Monday to Friday where a member of my team will be available to help with any queries.
