They say a week is a long time in politics and this week I can say that is certainly the case. I had planned in my column this week to lay out why I was backing Stephen Crabb in the leadership contest but that column now has to be re-written as Stephen decided to drop out of the leadership ballot following the first round of voting last night.
Stephen has been my friend for over 18 years and I wholeheartedly believed that he would have made a brilliant Prime Minister in these uncertain times and I am immensely proud of him and the campaign he has ran.
Coming 4th in the ballot of MP's Stephen last night decided to drop out of the race and back Theresa May as the only candidate to offer a cohesive and strong Government. I am now offering my support to Theresa May as someone who I believe who can bring all sides of the Country together and be a formidable force in Europe during the negotiation of Brexit.
I have always held a great deal of respect for Theresa and she has helped me on numerous occasions with issues in Morecambe and Lunesdale. In fact Theresa has visited Morecambe and Lunesdale twice during my first term in Parliament the first visit to Morecambe Police Station to take a personal interest in our policing needs locally. The second during the election campaign on a visit to Lingwood's security where she was impressed with their counter Terrorism training and took their model back as an example of something that should be replicated in other areas.
I believe that Theresa is someone who listens to others and who can provide the leadership and experience we need as a country to see us through Brexit. This is not about leavers and remainders that argument has been settled and we must all now act in the national interest to ensure that Brexit works for our economy. We need strength and leadership and I believe that Theresa May is the best person for the job.