Shadow Secretary Explains Absence from Northern Ireland Citing Funding Difficulties

Conservative MP Alex Burghart has offered an explanation for his failure to visit Northern Ireland during his tenure as shadow secretary of state. Burghart stated that securing the necessary “funding for trips” “has not been as easy” as he would have preferred. His service in the role commenced in July, following the general election. He indicated that his party has been “in flux,” making his inability to visit “very annoying.” Speaking on BBC’s Good Morning Ulster programme, he affirmed, “I very, very much wanted to come and if I had the money to do so I absolutely would have done so.” The shadow secretary of state mentioned having visited Northern Ireland “many times” in previous government capacities and, in his current position, has “spoken to a great deal of people in Westminster and on the phone.” He asserted, “I am very much engaged in this job.” He further added, “I hope one of the reasons I was appointed to the role is that I am very familiar with Northern Ireland, have a great fondness for it.” Burghart’s remarks were made the day after the conclusion of voting in the contest to replace Rishi Sunak as Conservative leader. The announcement of the winner is scheduled for Saturday morning, approximately four months following the Tories’ significant general election defeat, which led to Sunak’s resignation. Party members have been casting their votes for either former Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch or ex-immigration minister Robert Jenrick, subsequent to the elimination of four other contenders through a series of ballots held by the party’s Members of Parliament. Burghart has publicly endorsed Badenoch for the leadership. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.