EVESHAM’S MP has revealed his delight at being appointed as vice-chairman of the Conservative Party and said his party offered a ‘positive message’ for young people.
Nigel Huddleston was named in the role by party chairman Brandon Lewis on Tuesday (February 12) to focus on co-ordinating national youth engagement for the party and working closely with the Young Tories movement to ensure that the views and concerns of younger members are heard.
He will also work with the Conservative leadership team on policy development but his appointment has attracted criticism among some Conservative commentators who have derided the appointment of the 48-year-old to work with young people.
Mr Huddleston replaces Tom Pursglove, a longstanding Brexiteer who was appointed last summer at 29 before resigning to vote against the withdrawal agreement last month.
Pursglove himself replaced Ben Bradley, 28, who quit in protest at Theresa May’s Chequers proposals for a so-called ‘soft’ Brexit.
Despite the criticism, Mr Huddleston said: “We are making great strides in fixing the housing market, easing the tax burden on lower earners and expanding technical and academic education opportunities to every corner of the UK.
“I have spent the last few years in parliament advocating issues which are of great concern to young people from the environment to housing; from connectivity to social media regulation.
“I want to show young people the Conservative party is working for them and looking to support them in finding exciting jobs, living independently in their own properties and having more of their own hard-earned money to enjoy.
“Brandon Lewis and James Cleverly head a great team at Conservative Campaign Headquarters (CCHQ) and I am looking forward to supporting them in the great work that they do engaging with people across the UK.”
