Sarah Gibson MP made Lib Dem Business spokesperson - vows to promote Wiltshire SMEs in Westminster

Chippenham’s MP and former architectural business owner, Sarah Gibson, has been appointed by Ed Davey to be the Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Business in the House of Commons.

The appointment of local MP, Sarah Gibson, to the role of Business Spokesperson follows the Liberal Democrats’ first reshuffle since the party won a record number of seats in the general election. The new appointment follows Ed Davey’s speech to Liberal Democrat conference this weekend, where he set out plans to be a “responsible opposition”.

Sarah Gibson has vowed to take local issues from across the Chippenham constituency to the heart of Westminster. The MP will now her role as Business spokesperson in the House of Commons to champion small medium enterprises (SMEs) and hold the government to account on policy decisions. 

The MP has already hit the ground running since the general election. She has met with several key businesses, including but not limited to:

• Daikin’s new sustainable home centre in Calne;
• Stonegate Farmers Ltd in Lacock;
• Bath ASU in Corsham;
• National Self Build & Renovation Centre in Lydiard Fields.

Commenting on the new appointment, Sarah Gibson MP said: 

“In my maiden speech, I promised to be a strong voice to champion skills, employment, and opportunity in this part of the world. Being the Business spokesperson for my party means that I have an incredible platform to help me promote the incredible work of businesses across Wiltshire.

“As someone who has run a business of my own for over twenty years, I know firsthand the challenges many people face.  The previous Conservative Government failed businesses and workers by restricting growth, letting productivity slip, and by damaging investor confidence with constant U-turns. Their botched deal with Europe has done enormous damage to British businesses, putting up new barriers to trade and creating reams of red tape. 

“To remedy some of this damage, I will use my position to demand that the new Labour Government do not follow the Conservatives in hiking taxes on SMEs. People are crying out for a fair business rates system and the Labour Government must join me in wanting to create a stable business environment. This involves a commitment to promoting growth and prosperity by adopting smart regulation, whilst investing in skills, infrastructure, research and innovation.

“Now is the time for a proper opposition in Westminster that will champion people’s priorities. I am delighted to be part of the change this country so desperately needs.”

Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Ed Davey, added:

“My new frontbench will champion the people’s priorities, ensuring we hold the new government to account as a responsible opposition. 

“I am humbled by the result of the General Election and the millions of voters who put their trust in the Liberal Democrats, including many for the first time. We will stand up for our communities every day on the issues that matter most, fixing health and care services, tackling the cost of living crisis and protecting our precious environment.

“I am so proud of my entire team of 72 Liberal Democrat MPs who will serve as strong local champions in Westminster as we clean up the mess left by the Conservative government.”