Ahead of the local elections on May 7, we offered the leaders of each of the main parties standing in Wigan the chance to tell us about themselves. Today with have Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch.

A vote for the Conservatives on May 7 is a vote for a party that supports hardworking people, backs business and is focused on making government work for you.

The Conservative Party you see today is not the same as the one that lost the last election.

placeholder image — Conservative party leader Kemi Badenoch

We have taken time to reflect, to listen, and to change.

We know where we went wrong, and we are using our time in opposition to ensure we have the plans and the team to make sure we don’t make the same mistakes again.

Across Wigan, from Leigh to Ashton-in-Makerfield and Hindley, people are telling us the same thing.

They want safer streets, thriving high streets and a council that delivers value for money.

That is exactly what Conservatives are focused on delivering. That is what we would bring to Wigan.

We have set out clear plans to back people who work hard and do the right thing.

That includes abolishing business rates for thousands of high street shops, cafés, and pubs, the backbone of Wigan.

It means scrapping stamp duty on family homes, helping more people get on and move up the housing ladder.

We would cut families’ energy bills by £200 through our Cheap Power Plan, drilling our own oil and gas in the North Sea instead of forcing up costs through green taxes.

We will also take back our streets.

In Wigan we have seen crime and antisocial behaviour become the norm.

Our plan is for 10,000 more police, tougher enforcement and real consequences. Offenders will clean up the damage they cause.

And we know how we will pay for all this – our plan is backed by £47 billion in savings.

These are not only the right decisions, but by cutting spending we can bring down your taxes, back business, and support families without asking people to pay more.

This is what serious leadership and a clear plan looks like.

Wigan deserves better: cleaner streets, safer neighbourhoods, stronger local economies and politicians who spend your money properly.

On May 7, back our plan and vote Conservative to Get Britain and Wigan Working again.