libdems4yoo brave storm Antoni to deliver challenge to Conservative Minister Mel Stride.
As storm Antoni roared across Devon the new libdems4yoo delivery service braved the weather to deliver a challenge to local Conservative MP Melvyn Stride.
Delivering the challenge Liberal Democrat prospective parliamentary candidate for Central Devon, Mark Wooding, commented.
“I am challenging Mr. Stride to get out of the comfort of his ministerial limo and to spend a day with me as a cycle courier delivery rider. I was frankly surprised comments were attributed to Mr. Stride that 50+ year olds should consider taking up cycle courier delivery riding as a career to help with the punishing, Conservative cost-of-living crisis.
“What I know of the job is that it is physically gruelling, dangerous and financially insecure. I have to say it is not the first thing I would have thought of to recommend. It does suggest Mr. Stride is more than a little out of touch with the electorate.”
Speaking as he delivered the challenge to Mr. Stride’s constituency office in Ashburton Mark went on to say.
“Still it may be better than I think, so I am happy for Mr. Stride to prove me wrong. I will join him for a day as a cycle courier rider to get some first hand experience. We are both over 50; I’m looking for a new job, his; and he may be seeking a new job shortly. It should prove a useful experience for us both. I’ve got a little more experience today of the courier rider’s job as the weather has definitely left me damp and dishevelled.
“I’ve suggested Exeter as a location and allowed him to pick a date that does not clash with his ministerial responsibilites.
“Given the many problems that Mr. Stride’s department, the Department for Work and Pensions, faces I do find it a little strange he is making these out of touch suggestions. I do feel his time might be better spent, for example, sorting out the many problems his department has created for retiring women. I see it is reported that his department has short changed woman to the tune of £1 billion, and that is just one of many issues.
“I look forward to Mr. Stride setting a date. In the meantime I had, perhaps, better get back to the gym to put in some practice.”