The county’s most senior MP has spoken about what it’s like to be in opposition for the first time and his priorities moving forward.
First elected to represent the South Suffolk constituency in 2015, James Cartlidge held several posts in Government, including most recently as minister for defence procurement.
Last month, as the Conservatives geared for what became a landslide defeat, he became Suffolk’s only re-elected MP, defeating the Labour candidate, Emma Bishton by 3,047 votes.
Mr Cartlidge said he felt ‘fortunate and privileged’ to hold on to the constituency and that his role hadn’t changed despite now being in opposition for the first time.
He added: “I still have the same duty to the constituency and I still have the same constitutional duty as a legislator.
“I was minister for defence procurement in a very busy time and I’m very proud of my time in office — I think I helped to reform defence procurement.
“[The new role] is a massive duty because I have a duty to hold the government to account for how it defends this country at a time of increased conflict.”
Since being re-elected, Mr Cartlidge has submitted more questions than any other Suffolk MP, mainly about his new role in Rishi Sunak’s shadow cabinet.
He said his questioning was mainly due to fears the new Government would make huge cuts to the Ministry of Defence, which could have been prevented with the Conservative agenda.
Locally, Mr Cartlidge said he wanted to ensure the delivery of the new West Suffolk hospital and Ormiston Sudbury Academy, both pledges he made during the election period.
He also added he would look to work with the new Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket MP, Dr Peter Prinsley, to deliver the hospital.
“We still have to campaign for the new hospital but it does sound like the Government understands the urgency of the RAAC issue.
“This is not a luxury, we have to rebuild it, and we have to do it urgently, that’s the message I have been communicating repeatedly to ministers and that’s what I will continue to do.”
Despite recent confirmation that the plans for the new hospital would still go ahead as other schemes are under review, he said lots of outstanding questions remained, some of which he has tabled for when Parliament reconvenes.
Until then, Mr Cartlidge said he would continue his work within the constituency and enjoy the break period to be with his family.
Published by Suffolk News.
