For the first time in more than fifteen years the Conservative Party is leading in the national opinion polls and making a serious challenge to form the next Government. But despite the progress we have made, the reality is that many parts of the Government remain a wilderness for the Party, with neither elected representatives nor a serious role in local political debates. That cannot be sensible, and it must change.

Liverpool is one such place. No Conservative councillors since 1996, and little Conservative presence in the City. A year ago, David Cameron asked members of his Shadow Cabinet to take overall responsibility for rebuilding links between the Party and the Cities where we have become too invisible. I volunteered to take on the challenges we face in Liverpool.

I did so because I relish a challenge – but also because I am no stranger to the City, and to the north west. I have been a regular visitor in recent years, fought a nearby seat in 1997, and my family home is only 30 miles away.

In the year that has passed since then, I have begun the task of rebuilding on two fronts. Firstly, and most importantly, I have been trying to get around – to make contacts, learn, listen and think. I have visited businesses, schools, community groups, and even driven the Mersey ferry.

Building good links with the business community is particularly important – and DLIB has been an important route to making local contacts. The importance of my brief – transport – has helped. Liverpool’s future success will depend, to a significant degree, on its transport links.

I have also been working to encourage the Conservative team on the ground in Liverpool. They have amalgamated into a single team, have a growing number of new, younger members, and will field a full slate of candidates in this year’s local elections for the first time in many many years.

There’s a long way to go – but at least the green shoots are just starting to appear above the ground.

Chris Grayling MP
Shadow Transport Secretary.