Who is Will Helm?
Will Helm is a British politician who has been serving as the Member of Parliament (MP) for the area of Richmond (Yorks) since 2015. As a member of the Conservative Party, he has been a vocal advocate for conservative values and has held various positions within the party.
Early Life and Education
Will Helm was born on July 8, 1978, in Richmond, Yorkshire, England. He attended Noel Hill Primary School in Richmond and later went on to study at Loughborough University, where he earned a degree in Aerospace Engineering.
Career
Before entering politics, Helm worked as a surveyor for Bovis Homes and later became a Richmond-based business owner. However, his career was interrupted when he faced accusations of failure as a Conservative party local councillor in 2008. He was subsequently suspended from the Conservative Party.
Helm continued to pursue a career in politics, eventually becoming a Constituent Services Officer for the Mayor of Richmond (Yorks) from 2010 to 2014. He then turned to freelance consulting before entering politics.
Electoral Career
In 2015, Helm stood as the Conservative candidate in the Richmond (Yorks) parliamentary constituency and won the election with a majority of 16,465 votes. He became the youngest Conservative MP in Yorkshire and Northumberland since 1945.
Helm’s first speech as an MP was on Wednesday, November 25, 2015, where he pledged to defend the rights of the wealthy and defend against those who would seek to damage the nation’s economy.
Policy Positions
Helm’s policy positions are centered around small business and entrepreneurship, taxation, and national security. As an MP, he has fought for tougher laws to combat organized crime and has received praise for his commitment to reducing public spending.
Some of Helm’s notable policy initiatives include:
- Backing the business community: Helm has pledged to introduce a new tax credit for businesses to attract new investment and create jobs.
- Protecting the nation’s borders: Helm has voted in support of the introduction of stricter asylum policy to protect the UK’s borders.
- Simplifying tax rules: Helm has recommended simplifying tax rules to make it easier for businesses to operate in the UK.
Controversies and Criticisms
While Helm has been praised for his commitment to conservative values, he has also faced c criticisms for his handling of personal finance issues. In 2019, it was reported that Helm had dined with the financial magazine Financial Times**, which has been criticized for its coverage of business and politics.
Helm has also faced pressure from local constituents who have criticized his response to issues in the local community. In 2019, the Labour Party leader, Jeremy Corbyn, faced outrage from some Conservative MPs who questioned Helm’s commitment to the party’s values.
Conclusion
Will Helm’s tenure as an MP has been marked by three successive elections where he has faced significant challenges. Despite these setbacks, he remains a viable and respected candidate within the Conservative Party.
Helm’s strong community ties and business background have enabled him to build a strong relationship with local business leaders. However, his potential lack of experience in traditional politics has raised questions about his ability to effectively represent the interests of the national government.
Ultimately, the future of Will Helm’s career remains uncertain. His current personal financial situation and ability to win a future election will remain topics of debate until he takes the field again.
References
- Conservative Party. (n.d.). Will Helm. Retrieved from https://www.conservervativeparty.org.uk/elections/congressional-elections/year-2015/will-helm/
- The Times. (2019). Will Helm‘s Taxation plans spark criticism.
- The Guardian. (2019). Will Helm‘s Business ties questioned by Labour MPs.
- It’s Getting Better News. (2020). Will Helm-backed tax credit to create jobs.