David Friend

It has been an honour to have served as Shadow Chancellor for almost two years, alongside an exceptionally strong team and a great leader in Kemi. I am especially proud of the work we have done to rebuild the Conservatives' economic credibility - an issue on which we now consistently lead in the polls - and to have developed the start of a radical and deliverable plan to turn our economy around. If we care at all about people’s living standards, about delivering world class public services, a society at peace with itself and fully protecting our country in a challenging world, then we need a credible Conservative plan to deliver far stronger economic growth. That starts with establishing fiscal responsibility and taking the tough choices on spending, allowing us to get on top of our debt and to cut taxes to support growth. I am proud that we have made an important start with our pledges to abolish Stamp Duty, cut business rates and increase the incentives for people (especially young people) to work, as well as tackling the overbearing state that is so often holding us back. The Conservative party must continue to champion an approach which is both radical and deliverable. It is essential that the next Conservative government does things very differently, backing business like never before and getting government out of the way. The Conservatives have a good story to tell on this now and one that I know will continue to grow stronger and stronger under Kemi’s leadership. I am now looking forward to continuing to make a real contribution to the Conservative team in parliament and beyond, to build and amplify our vision for Britain, from the backbenches.