Last weekend, I had the great pleasure of attending a wonderful evening with fellow members of the Chatham and Aylesford Conservative Association, joined by none other than the Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP as our guest of honour.
Held in a warm and welcoming setting, the evening provided a fantastic opportunity to connect with local members, share ideas, and reflect on the challenges and opportunities ahead for our party and our country.
Robert Jenrick brought thoughtful insight and candid reflections on his time in government, including his work as Minister of State for Immigration and his former role as Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government. He spoke with passion and clarity about the importance of strong borders, the need for a fair and effective immigration system, and the pressing issues facing our communities, particularly in housing, planning, and local government reform.
What struck me most was his continued commitment to conservative values: personal responsibility, strong communities, and the belief in creating opportunity for all. His speech was both inspiring and grounded, exactly the kind of leadership we need at this critical time.
But just as importantly, the evening was a celebration of local activism. From long-time volunteers to new members, it was heartening to see such strong grassroots engagement. Conversations flowed easily over dinner, and there was a shared sense of purpose in the room: that while Westminster plays its part, real change starts with us, in our wards, in our communities, and in our daily work.
A huge thank you to the organisers of the evening and to everyone who attended. It’s events like these that remind us why we do what we do—because we believe in service, in standing up for our communities, and in building a better future, one step at a time.
I left the evening feeling energised and encouraged, and I look forward to many more opportunities to engage with members and constituents alike in the months ahead.
