Boris Johnson on campaign trail in Bloxwich ahead of local elections
Boris Johnson was out on the streets of Bloxwich this weekend, drumming up support for the Conservative party ahead of the local elections.
The former London Mayor and Foreign Secretary met with dozens of residents, shoppers and traders out in the town centre on Saturday.
He had been invited to the area by Walsall North MP Eddie Hughes, in support of Conservative councillors and candidates standing in the local elections on Thursday.
Mr Johnson spoke to residents on his walk through the town centre, as well as visiting businesses in Park Road and High Street – before meeting traders at Bloxwich Market.
As he walked down the High Street, buses and cars beeped their horns.
He spoke with residents on his walk encouraging them to vote Conservative at the local elections – and when asked by locals about Brexit he said "We are trying to sort it out. We are going to get it done."
Boris visited Allmarks Bakery, in High Street where he brought two sausage rolls – before pulling a pint of Thatchers Gold in the Bloxwich Showman.
When asked if he was in Bloxwich gathering support for a leadership bid, Mr Johnson said: "No I am here to support Eddie Hughes MP and our wonderful Conservative councillors. I am very impressed by the level of commitment."
He said: "The Labour party think that all the shenanigans of Westminster means they have got a chance in these May local elections – but I have been out campaigning over the last few days and all today [Saturday] and there is a good mood on the doorstep.
"There is lots of support, there is lots of support for us. We can do it – and we have to do it. Because the people of this area deserve good services, they deserve a low council tax and run by proper Conservative councillors – that is why I am here to support you today.
"It is absolutely vital to send a strong signal on Thursday – vote Conservative."
In speaking to the Express & Star, Mr Johnson said: "The worst thing that could possibly happen here is for great Conservative councils, like the one here, not to be elected in the way they deserve just because of some of the difficulties going on at Westminster.
"I don't think it going to happen and talking to people here today, I think there is a lot of strong support for us. We just need to go out and get them out on the streets – and get them voting for us this week.
"That would be my message. Don't punish our wonderful Conservative councillors, lets make sure we get better services and get those councillors returned on Thursday.
"I think it is very important that people vote on local issues and they vote on local priorities – and the feeling I am getting over the last few days is that the public really get that message."
When asked if he was alarmed that the Conservative party may be losing support among Leave supporters, he said: "Together with Eddie Hughes MP, we are going to get this thing right and we are going to get it done in style.
"Eddie and I both understand and share people in the Black Country and Staffordshire's frustrations, but we are going to get it right and get it done in style. We are going to deliver the Brexit the people of this country voted for but right now we have got to focus on the local elections and great local council candidates."
Mr Hughes added: "It was fantastic to have Boris visit Bloxwich, he is a very well known brand for the Conservative party and you could see the reception on the street, clearly there are lots of Conservative supporters in this consituency.
"I think Boris drums up support wherever he goes so yes, definitely he has helped support here for local elections. People were beeping their horns in the street – clearly enthusiastic about engaging with him. I think that bodes well for Thursday and has been very helpful."