Drinkers at a York pub were surprised to find who was at the bar last night – none other than the Prime Minister!
Rishi Sunak called into the Lord Nelson in Nether Poppleton on Wednesday while out campaigning in the city.
He joined York Conservative council candidates and supporters on the campaign trail in Poppleton ahead of next month’s council elections.
Knocking on doors with Rural West York candidate Arif Khalfe, the Prime Minister heard first hand of the impact of rising council tax, blue badge restrictions and road closures in York.
The Prime Minister then met locals in the Lord Nelson pub in Nether Poppleton to enjoy a post-campaigning lemonade.
Landlord Tom Brown hoped the PM’s visit would press home importance of pubs to their local communities, and the need to help out the crucial hospitality sector.
He said: “We hold no political allegiance. Last night was a great opportunity to speak to the Prime Minister and Kevin Hollinrake MP about the struggles the hospitality industry is facing.”
York Conservative Group Leader, Paul Doughty (Strensall ward) said: “It is a great boost to our campaign to host the Prime Minister in Nether Poppleton.
“With his talent and natural way, he is a great asset on the campaign trail.
“This was clear tonight when a natural Labour voter said she was thrilled to meet Mr Sunak in person and will now reconsider her voting intentions.
“The Prime Minister’s visit will help energise the final four weeks of the campaign as we talk to residents about how, by voting Conservative, we can bring much needed change to the city of York.”
York Conservatives’ main manifesto pledges are to freeze council tax, reverse blue badge restrictions, re-open closed roads, support businesses and dual the A1027.
Their full manifesto will be published online this weekend.
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