Election ’24: Tory candidate on boosting jobs and growth in Inverclyde

THE Telegraph has asked Inverclyde and Renfrewshire West’s general election candidates a series of questions ahead of the July 4 poll, inviting them to provide extended responses for our readers’ consideration.

The first of these questions is: What would you do to boost job opportunities in Inverclyde?

Conservative candidate Ted Runciman responded:

UNFORTUNATELY, the Inverclyde and Renfrewshire West constituency includes one of the most deprived areas of Scotland that has seen a very marked decline in job opportunities over the last few years under the control of the SNP led Scottish Government and the local Labour Council administration.

The area had a tremendous history in shipbuilding, until the nationalisation of Ferguson Marine, and with the Glen Sannox and Glen Rosa now nearing completion we need to keep the skilled labour in the constituency. End the nationalisation of the yard and combine it with BAE Systems to provide a world class Naval facility building the future Type 26 Destroyers as part of our increased defence spending in this uncertain world.

However, improving the job opportunities in the constituency will require a multifaceted approach and we would look at a number of strategies:

Skills Development and Training:

· Invest in vocational training programs that align with local industries

· Collaborate with educational institutions to offer relevant courses.

· Encourage lifelong learning and upskilling

Local Entrepreneurship Support:

· Establish business incubators and co-working spaces.

· Provide mentorship and resources for aspiring entrepreneurs.

· Promote local startups and small businesses, such as Down River Coffee Blenders.

Infrastructure Investment:

· Improve transportation links to connect the area with nearby cities.

· Upgrade digital infrastructure (high-speed internet) for remote work opportunities.

Industry Diversification:

· Identify emerging sectors (e.g., renewable energy, tech) and attract related businesses.

· Leverage the area’s unique assets (natural beauty, cultural heritage) for further tourism.

Collaboration with existing Employers:

· Engage with existing employers to create job pathways.

· Encourage corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

Community Engagement:

· Involve local residents in decision-making processes.

· Foster community pride and ownership.

We have to remember, sustained efforts and collaboration among National Government, local authorities, businesses and residents are essential for meaningful change.