Writing for this week's Redditch Standard (May 12th), Rachel said:
“Last week thousands of you headed to the polls to vote to decide who you wanted to represent you on Redditch Borough Council.
“Other political parties had an opportunity to take control of the Borough Council in this election, but its Conservatives who remain in control and who have a mandate to deliver our positive and ambitious vision for the future of Redditch.
“But despite retaining control, we still lost hardworking and dedicated councillors. I am incredibly grateful to all my friends and colleagues for their service to our community.
“I’m biased of course, but the blue team deserved to retain control. We’re the only party who will deliver the much-needed regeneration of our town centre. It’s not just talk; we have Government funding from our £16.6 million Town Deal to do it.
“And let’s be clear, regeneration was on the ballot paper in this election. Anyone who denies this is not being straight with you.
“The two main political parties made regeneration front and centre of their campaigns, and, after thousands of you voted, Conservatives retained control of the Borough Council. Cllr Matt Dormer and his team have a mandate to deliver their vision.
“I’ll continue to work with Cllr Dormer and his team as we redouble our focus to deliver for you with our positive and ambitious levelling up plans for our town centre.
“I will never apologise for demanding better for Redditch and for wanting to raise aspirations. I am ambitious for our town, and I believe it deserves this investment.
“It’s now time to crack on and deliver this desperately needed regeneration to ensure Redditch remains a great place to live and raise a family.”
