Barrow and Furness Conservatives welcome the Defence Secretary to Bardsea.
On Thursday 17 January, the Defence Secretary the Rt Hon Gavin Williamson MP visited Barrow and Furness to speak to party activists.
Over the course of a well-attended dinner at the Olde Mill, the Defence Secretary chatted with activists new and old, and shared stories of his time in government - from being David Cameron’s PPS, to becoming Chief Whip and then Defence Secretary under Theresa May.
Gavin Williamson was warmly introduced by Chair of the Association, Andrew Butcher, who highlighted our party’s ongoing commitment to defence and investment in the area.
Between courses, the Defence Secretary visited every table to speak to members, Councillors, activists and friends alike.
Following an excellent meal, Gavin Williamson gave an excellent - and very funny - speech and took questions from members on issues ranging from Brexit to the induction of new recruits into the Army.
Mr Williamson praised Barrow’s ‘world class’ workforce and promised that the Conservative government would continue to support the work programme in the Yard. Drawing a contrast with CND-member Jeremy Corbyn, he stated that clearly Barrow was not safe in the Labour leader’s hands.
Following speeches, Councillor Alan Pemberton gave a vote of thanks, and Parliamentary Spokesman Simon Fell presented the Defence Secretary with a hamper of Cumbrian food on behalf of the Association.
Gavin Williamson was the third Secretary of State to visit Barrow and Furness in as many months. It is testament to the passion and dedication of our activists, candidates and association team that they are doing so. Here’s to hoping that we see many more in 2019!
