Putney's MP comments on the Tory Leaders first staement

It is ironic that Michael Howard should choose to make his opening statement as leader of the opposition at a venue in the Alton Estate in my constituency of Putney.
This estate is flourishing under New Labour - I am very pleased that £8million has been poured into Surestart in Roehampton. Presumably Mr Howard having spoken to some of the residents of the estate will pledge to continue this type of investment in estates which were wholly neglected in the 18 years of the last Tory Government. The right wing agenda of spending cuts will inevitably hit programmes like Surestart and result in cuts in funds for the NHS and education and other public services.

7th November 2003