Since my election in 2019 to represent Watford I have sought to deliver for my constituents with every decision I make.

My decision for who to back for leader of the Conservative Party and Prime Minister is no different. We need a leader who can get our economy back on track, who can be trusted to follow through on their pledges, and who can deliver on the promises made in 2019. That is why I am backing Liz Truss.

Following the pandemic, we are faced with unprecedented economic challenges compounded by the war in Ukraine and the consequential cost of living crisis. I know from my own mailbox that people are looking for hope at a time of difficulty and need our next Prime Minister to tackle these challenges head-on.

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I have worked closely with Liz in the Foreign Office as her Parliamentary Private Secretary. As a colleague she is scrupulous and formidable, and relentlessly hard-working. Her desire to effect positive change is noticeable, and she exemplified a skill for getting things done.

That’s because Liz has another less talked about trait, she is a politician who goes out of her way to listen to colleagues. Whether it be engaging on Ukraine or Northern Ireland Protocol, Liz proactively ensured there were regular briefings and opportunities for discussion. This ensured all colleagues, including oppositions MPs, were kept informed and could ask questions on issues that mattered to their constituents.

I saw how Liz was guided by her conservative values to defend freedom, democracy, and self-determination on the international stage. I have every confidence that her conservatism, aspiration and positivity, combined with her belief in low taxes, cutting red tape and self-responsibility, will deliver for the whole country.

  • Dean Russell is Conservative MP for Watford

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