New Telford MP Lucy Allan hails support of 'aspirational' town
Telford's new MP Lucy Allan has said the Conservatives' widespread appeal was behind her victory at the general election.
She described Telford as an "aspirational place" which had widely bought into the Tories' vision for the future.
She also reiterated her desire to retain key health services such as accident and emergency care in Telford, and backed North Shropshire MP Owen Paterson's calls for David Cameron to re-negotiate Britain's settlement with Europe.
"There were seats we had hoped to win like Dudley North and Birmingham Northfield which we didn't do," she told the BBC's Sunday Politics West Midlands.
"But we have got it right in Telford and that's because we did appeal to people across the area regardless of their background. It's because Telford is an aspirational place.
"I think Shropshire is a very traditional area and it is absolutely right for Owen Paterson to represent the views in his constituency.
"I have found a similar traditional approach on the doorstep in Telford and I will look to represent those views."
Mr Paterson has said he would "obviously" be prepared to serve in David Cameron's new Government – but called for the Prime Minister to be given time to push through his reforms. He described the Tories' election triumph as a "real victory for Conservatism".
It comes as Suzanne Evans was today expected to be named as Ukip's interim leader.
Ms Evans, who came third in the fight for the Shrewsbury & Atcham seat during last week's general election, was recommended for the role by Nigel Farage as he stood down after failing in his own bid to become MP for Thanet South.
He described Ms Evans as an "absolute tower of strength within Ukip".
Douglas Carswell, who will be Ukip's only MP in the House of Commons, has already ruled himself out of the race to replace Mr Farage, who may yet stand again as leader in the autumn.
Meanwhile 17 people were arrested following clashes with police during an unplanned anti-austerity protest close to Downing Street.
Officers in riot gear clashed with a "minority" of protesters who threw objects during the rally on Saturday. Four police officers and a police staff member were injured, according to the Met Police. A police investigation is also under way after graffiti was daubed on a war memorial.
