Julian Smith Archives - Page 5 of 12

Ripon MP backs Sunak in race to be Prime Minister

Skipton and Ripon MP Julian Smith has today backed Rishi Sunak in the race to become the next Prime Minister.

Mr Smith is the first local MP to declare his support for a candidate to succeed Liz Truss, which could be resolved as soon as Monday.

In a tweet this afternoon, Mr Smith said Mr Sunak would “restore financial credibility” and unite the party.

https://twitter.com/JulianSmithUK/status/1583457402258567170

According to betting site Oddschecker, Mr Sunak remains the favourite to be the next PM at 4/5. But Boris Johnson’s odds have been slashed dramatically to 32/21 while Penny Mordaunt is the outsider at 9-1.

Andrew Jones, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough and Nigel Adams, MP for Selby and Ainsty, have yet to comment publicly on their choices.

Mr Jones and Mr Smith supported Sunak in his failed summer bid against Liz Truss.

Adams was one of Johnson’s staunchest allies, and was made a Cabinet Office minister in his government. But a number of moderate Conservatives have threatened to resign the whip if Johnson wins.

Mr Jones and Mr Smith both called for Mr Johnson’s resignation while he was still in office.

Mr Jones said “lawmakers cannot be lawbreakers” and “we have come to the end of the road with this Prime Minister” and urged him to “move aside for the good of the country and our politics”.

Mr Smith urged Mr Johnson to “take the lead in a responsible transition to ensure stable government for our country”.

It seems the election of Sunak, who represents Richmond in North Yorkshire, would go down well with many local Conservatives, who may see added value in having a Prime Ministerial constituency on their doorstep.

Carl Les, the Conservative leader of North Yorkshire County Council, also declared his support for Mr Sunak during his leadership battle with Ms Truss.

So although a Johnson win might prove popular with Mr Adams, it could raise some difficult questions for those MPs, such as Mr Jones and Mr Smith, who just three months ago were calling on him to quit.

Harrogate district MPs back government amid chaotic fracking vote

Two Harrogate district MPs voted against a motion to ban fracking last night amid a chaotic night in the House of Commons.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer tabled the motion as part of an opposition day debate to introduce a law to ban fracking in the UK.

Conservative MPs were whipped to vote with the government in what was seen as a test of confidence in Prime Minister Liz Truss.

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP, Andrew Jones, and Julian Smith, Skipton and Ripon MP, voted against the motion. Nigel Adams, Selby and Ainsty which includes rural Harrogate, did not vote.

Mr Adams was one of 40 Conservative MPs who did not take part.

The government won by 319 votes to 228 – however the night descended into chaos amid allegations that Tory MPs were “bullied and manhandled” into supporting the Prime Minister.

Confusion arose when Graham Stuart, climate minister, told the Commons before MPs entered the voting lobby that “obviously, this is not a confidence vote”.

The move led to whips trying to get their own Conservative MPs to vote against the opposition motion.

Charles Walker, a Conservative MP, described what he saw as “inexcusable” and said there was “no coming back” for the government.

Following the vote, Labour MP Chris Bryant urged the deputy speaker of the House of Commons to investigate the claims.

He said:

“I urge you to launch an investigation into the scenes outside the entrance to the No Lobby earlier.

“As you know, members are expected to be able to vote without fear or favour and the behaviour code, which is agreed by the whole House, says that there shall never be bullying or harassment of members.

“I saw members being physically manhandled into another Lobby and being bullied.”

Speaking about the allegations, Business Secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg told Sky News that to “characterise it as bullying was mistaken”.

MPs Watch: ‘Wrong’ tax cuts and the death of the Queen

Every month the Stray Ferret tries to find out what our local MPs have been up to in their constituencies and in the House of Commons.

September was a monumental month for the country. Queen Elizabeth II died after over 70 years on the throne, a new Prime Minister was appointed and proposed tax cuts by the Conservatives sent the value of the pound into a tailspin.

We asked our three Conservative MPs, Harrogate & Knaresborough’s Andrew Jones, Skipton and Ripon’s Julian Smith, and Selby and Ainsty’s Nigel Adams if they would like to highlight anything in particular that they have been doing this month, but, as usual, we did not receive a response from any of them.

Here is what we know after analysing their online presence.

Andrew Jones, Harrogate and Knaresborough MP.

In Harrogate and Knaresborough, here is what we found out on Mr Jones:

Mr Jones praised Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng’s mini-budget last week. He wrote on Community News: “There are a huge number of measures, many focused on our productivity and investment which are the platforms for future growth”.
On September 10 in the House of Commons, Mr Jones paid tribute to the Queen on behalf of the residents of Harrogate & Knaresborough.
Constituents can now find out what the MP has been up to through his new Instagram account that he launched this month.
Following reports in the Stray Ferret about water pollution in Oak Beck, Mr Jones called for action against those responsible. He wrote on Community News: “I am keen that those responsible face a substantial penalty for doing so”.
On September 28, Mr Jones posted a photo on his Instagram page of a Scout group in Knaresborough where he spoke to young people about life as an MP.
The MP welcomed the government’s announcement that household energy bills will be capped at £2,500 a year for two years. He called the plan “a welcome step” on Community News.

Julian Smith, MP for Skipton and Ripon.

In Skipton and Ripon, here is what we found on Mr Smith:

In sharp contrast to fellow Harrogate district Tory MP, Andrew Jones, Mr Smith has been critical of the government’s proposed tax cuts and called them “wrong”.
He has continued to offer his thoughts about the financial crisis on Twitter in recent days. On Wednesday he tweeted: “It is critical that the government is honest about the current situation & plays its part in stabilising markets. It can keep a growth plan but needs to make changes. Not doing so will only continue further stress & strain on UK citizens”.
On Thursday, he tweeted: “The government must scrap 45p, take responsibility for the link between last Friday & the impact on peoples mortgages & make clear that it will do everything possible to stabilise markets & protect public services.”
Following the Queen’s death, Mr Smith attended a service at Ripon Cathedral.
Mr Smith attended the Nidderdale Show in Pateley Bridge. It was brought forward a day to Sunday September 18 due to the Queen’s funeral.

Nigel Adams, MP for Selby and Ainsty

In rural south Harrogate, here is what we found on Mr Adams:

On September 6, the Boris Johnson loyalist resigned from cabinet ahead of new Conservative Party leader Liz Truss becoming Prime Minister. He was minister without portfolio.
The latest MPs register of interests show Mr Adams was paid £3,950 by the Jamaica Tourist Board as part of a Lords and Commons Cricket delegation to Kingston. The trip was to celebrate 60 years of Jamaican independence.
Mr Adams hailed King Charles III after he delivered his first address to the nation. He said: “It was as good as it gets, God save the King.”
The MP got into a Twitter spat with Lib Dem leader Tim Farron after he joked about Liz Truss’ history with his party. “You’d struggle to fill a phone box full of ministers let alone a cabinet, so pipe down,” Mr Adams retorted.

Ripon MP Julian Smith says ‘huge tax cut’ is ‘wrong’

Skipton and Ripon MP Julian Smith has described his own government’s decision to make swingeing tax cuts as “wrong”.

Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng announced the biggest package of tax cuts in 50 years in his mini-budget yesterday.

He said the UK economy was entering a “new era” and the measures would stimulate growth.

Paul Johnson, director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, said those with incomes in excess of £1 million will gain more than £40,000 a year each and that the overall measures didn’t include “even a semblance of an effort to make the public finance numbers add up”.

Mr Smith, who supported Rishi Sunak’s failed Conservative leadership bid, also expressed concerns on Twitter:

“In a statement with many positive enterprise measures this huge tax cut for the very rich at a time of national crisis and real fear and anxiety amongst low income workers and citizens is wrong.”

In a statement with many positive enterprise measures this huge tax cut for the very rich at a time of national crisis & real fear & anxiety amongst low income workers & citizens is wrong. https://t.co/EeRfAcNGzf

— Julian Smith MP (@JulianSmithUK) September 23, 2022

However, Andrew Jones, the Conservative MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough who also supported Mr Sunak, welcomed this week’s government measures.

Writing on his Community News website yesterday, Mr Jones said:

“I am pleased with the extra support for households and businesses with fuel bills through the energy price guarantee and also today’s surprise announcement of the reduction in the basic rate of income tax down to 19 per cent.

“There are a huge number of measures, many focused on our productivity and investment which are the platforms for future growth. So, plenty to be positive about here in Harrogate and Knaresborough.”

Harrogate district MPs welcome new PM as rumours spread over cabinet appointments

MPs in the Harrogate district have given their thoughts on the announcement of Liz Truss as the leader of the Conservative party.

As her confirmation as Prime Minister is set to take place today, Harrogate and Knaresborough’s Andrew Jones has welcomed her and offered his support.

He said:

“Being Prime Minister is a great responsibility and I offer Ms Truss my full support in her new role. I backed Rishi Sunak and he fought a very credible campaign.

“I am though, first and foremost, a democrat and when your choice doesn’t win you need to accept that and row in behind the winner. We are fortunate to have a breadth of talent in the government which provided us with an excellent field of candidates from which to choose any of whom would have been up to the job.

“Congratulations to Ms Truss on her success.”

Julian Smith, MP for Skipton and Ripon, posted his congratulations on Twitter.

Both he and Mr Jones highlighted the energy crisis and pressure on businesses as among the issues requiring the most urgent attention from the new Prime Minister and her cabinet, expected to be announced soon after her official confirmation in the role from the Queen at Balmoral this afternoon.

It is not yet known whether any of the district’s MPs will be selected by Ms Truss for roles in government.

There has been some support for Mr Smith to be returned to his previous position as Northern Ireland Secretary: a mural in Belfast called for his reinstatement yesterday.

However, Mr Smith’s light-hearted response on Twitter suggests he is not expecting a call any time soon.

Big thanks to Larry for the shout out, but tbh it's not feline likely… https://t.co/ow1s2wEDr1

— Julian Smith MP (@JulianSmithUK) September 5, 2022

Meanwhile, Nigel Adams, MP for Selby and Ainsty, has announced his resignation as minister without portfolio, a position he held under Boris Johnson as one of the outgoing PM’s closes allies.

Posting on Twitter in response to Mr Adams’ resignation letter, Mr Smith said:

“Typically punchy letter from [Nigel Adams] who is a case study in backing a political horse early, sticking with it through thick and thin & showing total loyalty and support. Every PM needs a Nigel.”

Ripon MP warned councils are facing ‘enormous’ costs as inflation rises

Ripon MP Julian Smith has been warned councils are facing “enormous” costs as rising inflation stretches budgets for key services and major projects.

Mr Smith told councillors that local government reorganisation and devolution in North Yorkshire would bring “limitless opportunities” to the area.

However, he was urged to pressure Westminster to provide urgent support for local authorities as “the direction of travel is undoubtedly going to be one of austerity”.

That warning was from Cllr Simon Myers, executive member for growth, culture, leisure, sport and housing at North Yorkshire County Council, who said:

“You can imagine that the extra costs in heating schools, leisure facilities and other council buildings are going to be enormous.

“And it is unlikely that there will be any ability to recoup that cost from residents. Indeed, it would be wrong to, given the economic circumstances that our residents are facing.

“We are going to need help from central government if we are not going to cut back on essential services.”

Mr Smith responded to say the rising costs for councils, households and businesses was “increasingly concerning” and would be the “key issue” for the new Prime Minister set to be announced on Monday.

He added he was “confident” that whoever is appointed – either Liz Truss or Rishi Sunak – would announce financial support “very quickly”.

Mr Smith said:

“I can’t prejudge what is going to happen, but whatever the noise of the Tory leadership debate, there is going to be a massive government intervention.

“This in my view is at the level of, if not more financially challenging than the covid period and these interventions will have to happen right across the economy.

“Although the timing of this leadership election to the Conservative party has been far from ideal, there has been significant work in the background by current ministers and officials in Whitehall.”

Ahead of further rises in inflation and energy costs in autumn, Mr Smith said the situation facing businesses was of particular concern for the Skipton and Ripon economy which is propped up on small enterprise.

He added he had already been contacted by several firms which are “really worried” about the months ahead.

Mr Smith told today’s meeting of the Skipton and Ripon Area Constituency Committee:

“There are big concerns from small businesses across our area, particularly in manufacturing and hospitality where the current bill increases are proving very, very difficult.

“Small business has to be a key focus because there are hundreds of thousands of jobs across our area.”

MPs watch: energy costs and sewage controversy

Every month the Stray Ferret tries to find out what our local MPs have been up to in their constituencies and in the House of Commons.

In August, Parliament was not sitting as it was in recess over the summer. Nonetheless, Conservative MPs faced questions over what the government was doing to tackle the cost of living crisis and allegations that they voted voted in favour of pumping raw sewage into rivers and the sea.

Here is what we know after analysing their online presence.

Andrew Jones, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough.

Andrew Jones

In Harrogate and Knaresborough, here is what we found out on Mr Jones:

On August 3, Andrew Jones welcomed the Treasury’s response to his letter which ensured people connected to LPG gas bottles would get government support with their energy bills.
Mr Jones strongly criticised claims that he voted to allow the pumping of sewage into rivers and the sea. He said the claims were “simply a lie”.
Mr Jones called on people to get involved with the “national mission” to beat dementia by signing up to Join Dementia Research.
The former Rail Minister told Transport for the North that investing in public transport was “going to be a main part of how we recover from the economic problems caused by the pandemic and inflation,” as well as reducing carbon emissions.
Mr Jones also backed York to be the headquarters of the new government rail body Great British Railways.
On August 31, he held an advice surgery in Knaresborough market.

Julian Smith, MP for Ripon and Skipton.

Julian Smith

In Skipton and Ripon, here is what we found on Mr Smith:

On August 5, Mr Smith welcomed the £11,000 awarded by Historic England to the Ripon Museums Trust to investigate the lives of disabled people in the city’s workhouse.
Mr Smith regularly tweeted his support for Rishi Sunak in the Conservatives’ leadership election, which ends on September 5.
Mr Smith held meetings with small business owners in his constituency. He tweeted that it was “clear urgent intervention is also required” for small businesses as well as households.
On August 1, Mr Smith welcomed the devolution deal signed by North Yorkshire County Council, the City of York Council and the government, as well as Richard Flinton’s appointment as the chief executive of the new North Yorkshire Council.
Mr Smith tweeted that “the new UK PM & the EU need to listen and step up” over work to secure a deal on Brexit-related issues in Northern Ireland.

Nigel Adams, MP for Selby and Ainsty which includes rural Harrogate.

Nigel Adams

In rural south Harrogate, here is what we found on Mr Adams:

On August 1, Mr Adams said he was “delighted” by the new devolution deal.
Mr Adams posted on his website about the consultation to upgrade the A64 near York, on the main route between Harrogate and the North Yorkshire coast.
Mr Adams also hit back at claims that he had allowed the pumping of sewage into waterways. He tweeted that the “fake news brigade and their gullible followers aren’t interested in facts” relating to the UK’s sewage system.
It was reported that Mr Adams could be in line for a peerage in Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s list of resignation honours. Such a move would trigger a by-election in his constituency. Mr Adams previously confirmed that he would stand down at the next election.

MPs watch: PM resignation and a leadership contest

Every month the Stray Ferret tries to find out what our local MPs have been up to in their constituencies and in the House of Commons.

In July, Prime Minister Boris Johnson resigned and a leadership election was triggered in the Conservative party. Two of our MPs have backed Rishi Sunak, but Nigel Adams, who is a close ally of Boris Johnson, has yet to reveal his favoured candidate.

Here is what we know after analysing their online presence.

Andrew Jones, Harrogate and Knaresborough MP.

In Harrogate and Knaresborough, here is what we found out on Mr Jones:

On July 6, Andrew Jones called on Prime Minister Boris Johnson to resign. He said: “I think we have come to the end of the road with this Prime Minister”.
On July 11, Mr Jones was elected to the executive of the Conservative party’s 1922 committee, which can be influential in determining the fate of party leaders.
Mr Jones formally backed Rishi Sunak to be the new leader of the Conservative Party on July 13.
On July 20, he took part in voting on a series of amendments to the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill.
Mr Jones spoke in the House of Commons to praise local agricultural shows on July 21.
Mr Jones held a surgery at Bilton Community Day on Saturday, July 30.

Julian Smith, MP for Skipton and Ripon.

In Skipton and Ripon, here is what we found on Mr Smith:

On July 7, Julian Smith heavily criticised Prime Minister Boris Johnson during an interview on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme. He said Mr Johnson was causing a “constitutional crisis” by refusing to resign amid a series on ministers quitting his cabinet.
Mr Smith tweeted the same day that the civil service had been “attacked and maligned” and had “held the country together” during the resignations of the cabinet.
On July 10, Mr Smith tweeted that the European Convention on Human Rights was “key” to the Good Friday Agreement. He warned against the Conservative leadership contest undermining the agreement.
On July 18, Mr Smith voted with the government on a confidence vote held in the House of Commons.
Mr Smith met with local farmers in Boroughbridge to discuss agricultural, as well as food security and production.
Following the resignation of Mr Johnson, Mr Smith declared his support for Rishi Sunak in the Conservative leadership contest on July 20.
On July 24, Mr Smith was in attendance for Mr Sunak’s visit to Black Sheep Brewery in Masham as part of his leadership campaign.
Mr Smith tweeted on July 29 that he had been to Ripon Tennis Club to try the facility’s new padel tennis courts.

Nigel Adams, MP for Selby and Ainsty which includes rural Harrogate.

In rural south Harrogate, here is what we found on Mr Adams:

Instead of tweeting about resignations in the government, Mr Adams posted a tweet on July 5 congratulating the England cricket team on defeating India by seven wickets.
Mr Adams, who sits in Boris Johnson’s cabinet, has remained silent throughout the leadership election and has not yet revealed who has backed for leader.
Reports emerged in the Observer on July 18 that Mr Adams could face a by-election as he could be offered a peerage by Boris Johnson.
On the same day, he voted with the government on a confidence vote in the House of Commons.
Mr Adams tweeted on July 27 that he had met AstraZeneca in Tokyo to “discuss innovation and partnerships”. He tweeted again the following day that he had met the 2025 World Expo organisers in Japan.

Second Harrogate district MP declares support in Conservative leadership battle

A second Harrogate district MP has declared his support for Rishi Sunak in the race to become the next Prime Minister.

Julian Smith, MP for Skipton and Ripon, has publicly backed the former Chancellor of the Exchequer for the first time.

In a post on Twitter today, he said:

“Rishi has a proper plan to get us through the tough times ahead. He is committed to rebuilding the economy and delivering for our area.

“Only Rishi can unite our country and defeat Labour and he will have my full support in doing so.”

pic.twitter.com/FrgzJtxkSf

— Julian Smith MP (@JulianSmithUK) July 21, 2022

Andrew Jones, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, has already given his support to Rishi Sunak.

Selby and Ainsty’s Nigel Adams has yet to declare his allegiance. He has been a close ally of Boris Johnson, having publicly supported the outgoing PM on several occasions in recent months.

It has been reported that Mr Adams could be handed a peerage following Mr Johnson’s departure, which would then trigger a by-election in his constituency.

Mr Sunak will compete with Liz Truss to be elected leader of the Conservative party in September, after its members cast their votes.

The pair will take part in hustings events around the country over the next few weeks.

Harrogate district MPs yet to reveal who they want as Prime Minister

The three Conservative Harrogate district MPs are yet to publicly reveal who they are backing in the race to become the next Tory leader and Prime Minister.

Since Boris Johnson resigned last Thursday, 11 MPs have declared leadership ambitions.

They include former Chancellor Rishi Sunak, current Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi and Foreign Secretary Liz Truss.

Whoever is selected will bring in their own team, signalling a change of fortunes for many Conservative MPs.

Skipton and Ripon MP Julian Smith, a former chief whip to former Prime Minister Theresa May, was well regarded during his time as Northern Ireland Secretary from 2019 to 2020 and could be hoping for a return to a senior role.

Selby and Ainsty MP Nigel Adams , who is currently a minister without portfolio in the Cabinet Office, is regarded as one of Boris Johnson’s loyalist allies. He stood outside Downing Street next to Carrie Johnson when the PM made his resignation speech.

Some of Mr Johnson’s allies have been critical of Richmond MP Rishi Sunak’s bid so it seems unlikely Mr Adams will support the current bookies’ favourite.

According to a report in The Times on Saturday, Mr Adams has been telling friends he will get a peerage in Mr Johnson’s final honours list.

Harrogate and Knaresborough’s Andrew Jones, a rail minister under Theresa May, has been openly critical of Mr Johnson in the last few months and voted against him in the confidence vote. But like Mr Smith and Mr Adams, he has yet to state who he supports.

The Stray Ferret asked all three MPs what qualities they are looking for in the next leader and if they have a preferred candidate but none has responded.

Mr Smith is currently 200/1 to become the next leader with most bookmakers, which drifted from 100/1 over the weekend.

Mr Adams is also 200/1. The bookies do not currently have a price for Mr Jones.

Read more:

Read more:

Read more:

Read more:

Read more:

Read more:

Andrew Jones

Read more

Julian Smith

Nigel Adams

Read more:

Read more:

Read more: