COLCHESTER’S MP told party colleagues not to be afraid to tackle difficult and sensitive issues to give Britain a brighter future.

Will Quince was one of a clutch of five MPs elected in the previous two General Elections who were asked to give speeches at the Conservative party conference yesterday, ahead of Prime Minister Theresa May’s keynote address.

During his talk, Mr Quince talked about struggles early in his political career including finishing second in the 2010 General Election and only receiving 26 votes when he stood as a country council candidate as a student in Wales.

The former Colchester councillor said being MP has given him the chance to address issues close to his heart including baby loss and homelessness.

He said: “In the most recent election we were able to increase our majority and share of the vote.

“The long road to that victory taught me you need to work all year round to really connect with the residents, businesses and communities you serve.

“But most of all it taught me while our constituents rightly expects us to address the major issues of our time such as jobs, housing and the NHS but they also want to see something more from politicians.

“Along with tackling those big issues facing our country we must also tackle the issues they face in their day to day lives.

“They want to see we are passionate about the issues which don’t make the comfortable headlines.

“They want to see what drives us, what gets us up in the morning and puts the fire in our bellies.

“My two passions are reducing baby loss and tackling homelessness.

“I fought a positive campaign during the General Election on my record on those two issues.

“Being a member of parliament is the most incredible job and it is a privilege to serve.

“We have not just a platform and mandate but the power to shape the future direction of our constituencies and our country.

“We shouldn’t be afraid to use that power on issues are difficult or sensitive to bring positive change to people’s lives.

“We need to show we are passionate about things which really matter to people.

“That one person sleeping rough on our streets is one person too many.

“That we reduce miscarriages, still birth and neonatal death and that we have world class bereavement care and support for those parents that sadly suffer the tragic loss of a child.

“So not only must we show that we’re the party that care but we’re the party that is going to make a difference.

“That is how we are going to improve people’s lives.

“That is also how we are going to go on to win more and more seats like Colchester in the future and that attitude with strong Conservative leadership is what will truly give Britain its brightest future.”

Mr Quince also urged colleagues to visit Colchester, but said there was a small section of the town’s history he was less proud of.

He said: “For those of you who do not know about Colchester it is Britain’s oldest recorded town, the first capital city, we’ve got a fantastic castle and I would recommend you come and visit us.

“But there is one part of our 2,000 year history we might rather forget – 18 years of a Liberal Democrat MP.”