Medway Conservatives announce updated priorities for opposition

The Medway Conservative Group is pleased to announce its new political priorities, which set its agenda for the next phase as the opposition of Medway Council. The landmark moment forms part of the Group’s Vision 2027 strategy, being led by its new Leader, Councillor George Perfect. The priorities build on the group’s past pledges as part of the 2023 local election campaign, and set is framework for holding the Labour administration to account over the forthcoming years. These new priorities were agreed unanimously by the Group at a meeting on Monday.

These priorities cross all parts of Medway Council, from ensuring the Group stands up for sound financial leadership, ensuring opportunity for all, protecting greenfield and rural communities, ensuring the freedom to get around, and a belief in prosperity for all that live in Medway.

These priorities will drive the Medway Conservatives throughout the Council’s formal meetings and committees, as well as its political activity in the forthcoming years.

Councillor George Perfect, Leader of the Medway Conservatives said:

This is a landmark moment on our journey towards May 2027, at the start of a new era for the party locally and nationally, under our new Leader Kemi Badenoch, as we renew and rebuild. 

Our updated political priorities build on our work so far in opposition, and form a central plank of Vision 2027 - our plan to return to control, whilst ensuring we hold the incumbent Labour and Co-Operative administration to account.

My particular thanks to Shadow Cabinet members and members of my group who have worked over the past few months on these updated political priorities.

Political priorities in full:

1. Sound financial leadership

1. We recognise that low council tax and value for money is important for taxpayers.
2. We believe that there should be no more borrowing to fund capital projects unless necessary, or there is a clear saving to the revenue budget.
3. We believe in financial prudence, thus there must be no unfunded pay-rises, and they must be matched with revenue income.

2. Standing up for opportunity

1. We recognise parents value the choice of thriving grammar schools and independent schools.
2. We believe in good children’s services, whilst understanding the importance of financial sustainability and delivering value for money.
3. We know that reform of adult’s services in Medway is necessary, but this must not comprise the importance of older adults having a good end to life.

3. Protecting greenfield and our rural communities

1. We believe all development must be brownfield first.
2. We believe in protecting our green spaces, which have won critical international acclaim.
3. We will always stand up for the Peninsula and rural parts of Medway – good services for every part of Medway.

4. Ensuring the freedom to get around

1. We acknowledge the importance of cars in getting around Medway.
2. We believe in good quality roads. Roads are important and must be maintained to the highest standard.
3. We want to see further development of Medway’s transport links – we are close to London and Europe.

5. Belief in prosperity for all that live in Medway

1. We believe that inward investment is the key to future success.
2. We support the ongoing regeneration of Chatham and Gillingham but believe it must be private sector led.
3. We have a strong belief in attracting new businesses, and this must bring new industry.