June 13, 2017 2.01 pm This story is over 81 months old

Boston & Skegness MP backs Theresa May but admits some Tory policies were ‘badly explained’

Newly re-elected Boston and Skegness MP Matt Warman has given his backing to under-pressure Prime Minister Theresa May, despite conceding that some of the more controversial Conservative policies in the manifesto were “badly explained”. Warman retained the most pro-Brexit seat in the UK with a majority of nearly 17,000, humiliating former UKIP leader Paul Nuttall in…
Matt Warman smiling at the Boston count. Photo: Sean Strange for Lincolnshire Reporter

Newly re-elected Boston and Skegness MP Matt Warman has given his backing to under-pressure Prime Minister Theresa May, despite conceding that some of the more controversial Conservative policies in the manifesto were “badly explained”.

Warman retained the most pro-Brexit seat in the UK with a majority of nearly 17,000, humiliating former UKIP leader Paul Nuttall in the process.

Despite his success at the polls, the Conservative is not especially keen to return anytime soon, considering his performance was not replicated nationally.

The Conservatives lost 13 seats, ending up tantalisingly short of an overall majority.

By contrast, the Labour Party under the leadership of Jeremy Corbyn confounded expectations, gaining 30 seats, including the city of Lincoln.

Speaking on the phone to Lincolnshire Reporter while preparing for a return to the House of Commons, Matt Warman said: “It was an unusual swing bearing in mind the national picture, to me in Boston and Skegness.

“What we saw was a collapse in the support for UKIP and voters her supporting Theresa May and the Conservatives’ vision for Brexit and our wider programme.

“Now obviously this was not something which was reflected nationally.”

The Conservative MP said that some of the difficulties on the doorstep arose because of the policies around social care.

“The policy was badly explained to voters on the doorstep by us,” admitted Warman.

“It was a similar case with policies around winter fuel payments and school meals.”

PM committed to changing

A proposed confidence and supply arrangement with the Democratic Unionist Party in Northern Ireland has caused some concern among voters.

However, Warman aimed to ease fears by stating that the two parties have worked together on issues before, while distancing himself from some of the DUP’s more questionable positions on social issues.

“I’m not a fan at all of some of their policies over abortion and LGBT rights for example but these are not up for debate from our side.

“Theresa May’s committed to changing which means she has renewed confidence in her inside the Conservative Party.

“If we the Tory Party behave, we will be able to deliver Brexit in the national interest.

“What people don’t want is another election straightaway.”

Conservative Matt Warman humiliates UKIP leader Paul Nuttall in Boston & Skegness