Party chief visits close-knit community in Plymouth 
and supports local Conservatives’ plans for city

Party chief James Cleverly praised the local Conservative Group’s plans for Plymouth during a visit to the city on Friday (27 April).

Mr Cleverly, the Conservative Party Deputy Chairman, knocked on doors and met voters in Drake ward alongside council candidate Steven Ricketts and local activists.

He visited the Seymour Arms pub in Seymour Street and learned how long-term residents and Plymouth University students had come together to create a close-knit community.

“It was great to come to Plymouth, speak to local residents about their hopes and concerns and discuss how the Conservatives can make their lives better,” said Mr Cleverly, the MP for Braintree and an Army Reserve officer.

“There is a real sense of community in the ward, bringing together students and people of all backgrounds.

“The Conservatives have done a great job to support and strengthen the local community and Steven made clear this was one of his top priorities.”

Steven, the Cabinet Member for Transport and Housing Delivery, said: “James is a great advocate for the Conservative Party and it was a pleasure to welcome him to Plymouth and discuss our plans for Drake ward and the city.

“Drake ward is a very diverse area and I will keep working hard to ensure we maintain that strong community atmosphere.”

Mr Cleverly also visited The Box, the £37million gallery and museum complex currently under development on North Hill.

The Box will play a key role in the Mayflower celebrations in 2020 and is set to become a major cultural attraction for the city and the region.

The development forms part of the Plymouth Conservative Group’s manifesto ahead of the local elections on Thursday 3 May.

Mr Cleverly said: “Steven and his Conservative colleagues can be proud of their achievements in office in recent years, including major investment in the city centre, jobs, housing and culture, all while keeping council tax low and balancing the books.

“I was also impressed by their plans for the future, including developments like The Box and the proposed £27million facelift of the city centre to make it a high-quality destination for all.

“All their good work would be put at risk under Labour, as hard-left policies invariably lead to higher taxes, more debt, fewer jobs and worse services.”