Local business across Elmbridge - especially smaller companies - have struggled through the worst recession since the war. The last Labour government left a legacy of debt and high taxes. Meanwhile, business enterprise and ingenuity have been suffocated by endless reams of government red-tape and regulation. 

I am often down on the local high streets or trading estates listening to businesses - from Esher’s Farmers Market and Molesey’s independent traders, to retailers in Walton and Cobham. We have great potential for local business growth. But, government must create the right environment - particularly for small and medium sized businesses.

I am campaigning for public spending restraint to deliver cuts in business taxes, like corporation tax, and a fairer local return on business rates – to enable councils to invest locally, and stimulate local business growth. Over the longer term, we must deliver the national reforms to prevent levels of debt ever reaching such reckless levels again, and reduce the burden of regulation and taxation stifling British business.