Two candidates gunning to be Stoke-on-Trent’s next MPs say calling a May 2 general election would be the right thing to do for business.
Labour’s Gareth Snell, who is hoping to clinch the Stoke-on-Trent Central seat, and Dr Allison Gardner, who is standing in Stoke-on-Trent South, both believe an election in eight weeks could still be on the cards.
And the two prospective parliamentary candidates say prolonging it for months into Autumn or beyond could be harmful to the economy and the business community.
Dr Gardner, who is challenging the Conservative MP Jack Brereton in Stoke-on-Trent South, said: “When it comes down to it, the worst thing for business is uncertainty. You can’t plan, you can’t invest – it hampers the way you do your work.
“That is the situation we find ourselves in with the election. It would be best for businesses of all kind, both in the towns as well as the farming and agriculture communities in our rural areas if the Government set the date and set it early.
“The budget we had last week proves that the economy has fallen flat on its feet. We need a change and a restart and the quicker that can happen the better for everyone.”
Former MP Gareth Snell, who lost his Stoke-on-Trent Central seat to the Conservative Jo Gideon in 2019, said his money was still on an early election.
He said: “I very much think the election will be on May 2. If you look at the way the Conservatives handled the budget – delivering it earlier than usual – and the way they are pushing forward with the National Insurance reductions into law, it points in that direction.
“If you look at the fact the Easter recess for parliament is set for 26th March – that is actually the last day the general election could be called for May 2nd , while allowing for a six-week election period.
“So, personally, I can see it being on that date. If it is, I’m relishing the challenge and looking forward to the campaign.”
Gareth and Allison were on a fact-finding visit to the City of Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College to learn more about BTECs, T-Levels and other courses on offer, as well as how they are funded, when they took time out to speak to Daily Focus.
Gareth added: “When you see this brilliant facility, when you learn about some of the inspirational stories surrounding the students and the innovative courses, it proves Stoke-on-Trent has a lot to shout about – it is great to be here and to be championing it.”
A full report on the visit to City of Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form will feature in a Daily Focus T-Levels special next week.
