The rate of unemployment in Ribble Valley is just 1%. That puts it in the top 10% of constituencies for low unemployment and demonstrates the success of local businesses in our area.Nationally there are 1.9 million more people in work since 2010 and 760,000 more businesses. That’s 1.9 million more people with the security of a regular pay packet and means that Britain is creating jobs faster than any other developed country. 

I firmly believe in low taxes. They incentivise businesses and allow individuals to keep more of their own money and spend it as they choose rather than it be spent as the state sees fit. 

I recently led a debate in Parliament on the issue of car parking on private land, and the exorbitant fines charged on motorists for very small offences. 

Ribble Valley is a rural constituency where agriculture plays an important part in the local economy, not only providing jobs but also continuing tradional communities where some families have farmed the same land for hundreds of years.

Public services are important to everyone, but in rural areas they take on a particular significance. In outlying villages doctors surgeries are further apart and often elderly residents face challenging journeys if current services close.