WEST Worcestershire MP Harriet Baldwin welcomed Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt to Tenbury as he kicked off his bid to become leader of the Conservative Party and the next Prime Minister.
Mr Hunt chatted to Harriett, local party members and councillors before taking in a whistlestop tour of the town including visiting the town’s chocolate factory and even getting a quick snip at the hairdressers.
The Foreign Secretary agreed to the visit to start his bid for leadership after securing a place in the final two on Thursday night.
Harriet said: “I’ve worked closely with Jeremy in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and I have seen his strengths, both as a Minister and a leader, at first hand.
“That is why I have backed him throughout this campaign and I was delighted that he chose to visit West Worcestershire to start his campaigning.
“He got the chance to meet many local people and drop in to a variety of shops during his quick tour of the town centre.
“I asked him if he will put his backing behind flood defences for the town if he becomes Prime Minister, and he also offered his clear support for a return of the post office to Tenbury.
“The feedback locally was very impressive and I hope that he continues to make great progress as he talks to party members across the country about why he is the right choice to unite the party, the country and deliver Brexit.”
There will be a series of hustings and TV debates between Mr Hunt and the bookmakers’ favourite Boris Johnson between now and July 22 when the new Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative and Unionist Party is expected to be announced.
The result will be decided by the 160,000 Conservative and Unionist Party members following a postal ballot.
