Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride MP visited Cheshire to meet local businesses and discuss plans to boost economic growth across the region.
The visit began at a Chester Business Club roundtable with Aphra Brandreth, Member of Parliament for Chester South and Eddisbury, and Ben Fletcher, Conservative candidate for Cheshire and Warrington Mayor. Leading employers and entrepreneurs shared ideas for driving prosperity and creating high-quality jobs.
Later, the group toured HJ Lea Oakes, one of Cheshire’s oldest agricultural firms, to hear how policies such as the Family Business Tax and Family Farm Tax are impacting rural employers. Discussions focused on supporting sustainable growth and strengthening the backbone of the rural economy.
Aphra Brandreth MP added:
“It was a pleasure to welcome the Shadow Chancellor to Chester South and Eddisbury and hear directly from business leaders about the opportunities and challenges they face. Our region has huge economic potential, and I will continue working to ensure local businesses have the support they need to thrive and create high-quality jobs.”
Ben Fletcher, Conservative candidate for Cheshire and Warrington Mayor, commented:
“Having led major UK businesses, I know what it takes to create jobs and attract investment. As Mayor, I’ll make Cheshire and Warrington the best place to do business, ensuring our region competes nationally and internationally.”
During the visit, the Shadow Chancellor highlighted Conservative plans to drive economic growth and unlock the housing supply, including abolishing Stamp Duty on primary homes, scrapping business rates for high street shops and pubs, and introducing a First Jobs Bonus to help young people save for their future. A new Golden Economic Rule would ensure responsible tax cuts by splitting savings between reducing the deficit and funding growth.
