All members of parliament in Conservative Party submitted declarations of interest at the beginning of the general election campaign, and are now as a matter of party policy making these declarations available to the public.
Below are scans of Charlotte’s declaration of interests. Click on a page image to enlarge it.
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Charlotte Leslie has offered her resignation as a governor of St Ursula’s School, saying that in deciding the school’s future, she has to put the needs interests of her constituents in North West Bristol ahead of the school’s priorities.
Charlotte’s resignation follows a letter to Bristol City Council officials, St Ursula’s chair of governors, and prospective sponsors, The Merchant Venturers and Colston’s Girls School, outlining her concern about the direction of travel. She highlighted her concerns and called for a meeting to discuss the school’s admissions policy. She said it would be “a tragedy and, I would even venture, a disgrace” if the school, which is situated in an area of widely recognised, deep parental need for more school places, did not serve the need for a new school, which is right on the school’s doorstep.
Writing to the chair of governors to offer her resignation, Charlotte said:
“The role of school governor is solely to promote the interests of the school. However, since I have been elected the Member of Parliament for Bristol North West, I know that governors and trustees will understand that my primary concern must always be my constituents, who elected me to represent them.”
The letter continued:
”I have said before that I cannot happily promote an admissions system for the school which does not serve the local community. Indeed, I strongly believe a future for St Ursula’s exists which serves best both the school and the community in which the school is situated. I do not believe that any conflict between the interests of the school, and of the community need exist at all.
“I must say how much I have enjoyed my time on the governors, and thank you for your support during my time as chairman, during which we made big decisions for the school. But I now feel the time has come for me to support the school and its future in my other role, as MP for the area in which St Ursula’s is situated – Bristol North West. “
Last year, Charotte worked with local parents to start Parents Voice, a campaign group committed to get a new community secondary school for Bristol North West.
Here is the full draft of the letter that Charotte wrote to Barrie Butler, chair of governors at St Ursula’s:
Dear Barrie,
I am writing to you as Chair of Governors to offer my resignation from the board of Governors of St Ursula’s School. I do so after long consideration, and some regret, but in the strong belief that this is the right thing to do.
The role of School Governor is solely to promote the interests of the school. However, since I have been elected the Member of Parliament for Bristol North West, I know that Governors and Trustees will understand that my primary concern must always be my constituents, who elected me to represent them.
Because of possible or perceived conflicts of interest in this regard, I have decided to resign my position on the board of Governors.
I have said before that I cannot happily promote an admissions system for the school which does not serve the local community. Indeed, I strongly believe a future for St Ursula’s exists which serves best both the school and the community in which the school is situated.
I do not believe that any conflict between the interests of the school, and of the community need exist at all. On all measures, the needs of the school and of the surrounding community are outstandingly mutually compatible; a perfect fit in the jigsaw of Bristol education. However, for the reasons stated above, I now feel that I must resign my position as Governor.
I must say how much I have enjoyed my time on the Governors, and thank you for your support during my time as Chairman, during which we made big decisions for the school.
I have made good friends and am so pleased that I have been able to contribute to securing a flourishing future for this wonderful school. But I now feel the time has come for me to support the school and its future in my other role, as MP for the area in which St Ursula’s is situated – Bristol North West.
I would be grateful if this letter could be recorded in the Minutes. And due to public interest in this issue, and the public nature of my role, I will be making this letter publicly available.
With very best wishes for the future of St Ursula’s School,
Yours sincerely,
Charlotte Leslie MP
Member of Parliament for Bristol North West
As the new MP for Bristol North West, Charlotte Leslie's first priority will be to focus on improving education provision
Charlotte Leslie has thanked the people of Bristol North West for electing her as their MP, and has announced that improving education provision in the constituency will be her first priority.
Speaking after the election, Charlotte said: “It is an enormous honour, and an enormous responsibility to be elected to represent my fellow residents in Bristol North West. There are likely to be tough times ahead, and unfortunately in life, there are no magic wands, but I will be working as hard as I can for our community here in Bristol North West.”
Charlotte’s main focus as MP will be education, looking to improve the schools across the constituency.
Charlotte also hopes to improve transport provision and continue the work she has already done with community organisations.
Charlotte said: “I want to solve the crises in both primary and secondary school places, as well as to provide investment to all the schools in Bristol North West in order to see real improvements.”
“In transport issues, we need to look at mechanisms to tackle First Bus’ monopoly in Bristol. I will also look to reopen the North Bristol loop line and get Henbury station back in use for local residents.”
“I also want to build on the work I have already done in helping community organisations set up alternative activities for young people, such as boxing classes in schools.”
Charlotte has many more plans she hopes to put in place soon. After recovering from the hard-fought election campaign, she is looking forward to starting work as MP for Bristol North West, where she has lived for almost all her life.
Although she wants to start making changes immediately in the constituency, she appreciates that some changes will take time to implement.
“There are so many things that need doing, and I want to get settled in, and sort out all the admin and logistics of starting a new job like this as quickly as possible so we can get going,” Charlotte said.
“Although change often takes time, I want to stress to all my new constituents that I will be working as hard as I possibly can in my new job, to to serve you, and our city. “
Charlotte Leslie this morning became the new MP for Bristol North West. After a long wait at Bristol City’s Ashton Gate stadium, Charlotte was confirmed as the winner at 5.30am.
Charlotte said: “”It feels absolutely fantastic to be Bristol North West’s new MP. It’s now an enormous responsibility, not just to meet expectations but to exceed them. I can’t wait to roll my sleeves up and really get to work.
“I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who voted for me. I won’t let you down.”
Here are the full results:
Charlotte Leslie (Conservative) 19,115 (38%)
Paul Harrod (Liberal Democrat) 15,841 (31.5%)
Sam Townend (Labour) 13,059 (25.9%)
