Boris Johnson recorded an exclusive message for Bucks Free Press readers in support of Peter Fleet, the Conservative candidate for the upcoming Chesham and Amersham by-election.

It comes after the Prime Minister made a surprise visit to Chesham today to campaign with Mr Fleet, handing out election flyers and taking selfies with residents in the High Street ahead of the by-election on June 17.

He spoke exclusively to the Bucks Free Press at the Generals Arms pub, discussing the possible ending of lockdown on June 21, HS2, hopes to turn Chiltern into a National Park and the potential impact of Covid on voter turnout next week.

ALSO READ

In a video recorded for BFP readers, Mr Johnson said about Mr Fleet: “I think he’s running an excellent campaign to make the Chilterns a national park, to ensure any new development is on brownfield land and to continue to do everything we possibly can to mitigate the impact of HS2.

“I think he’s a superb candidate, he’s a local man, he’s lived here for a while and has a long career in business. He has a huge amount to offer Parliament and the constituents.”

Mr Johnson then joked to Mr Fleet, who is believed to be around 6ft 9ins: “If you’re lucky enough to be elected Peter, you will be the tallest Conservative MP.

“Not a lot goes over his head, I can tell you that.”

ALSO READ

His message comes hot on the heels of former PM Tony Blair’s praise for the Labour candidate, Slough Cllr Natasa Pantelic, who called her a “fantastic local councillor” and asked people to support her with their votes.

And Liberal Democrats leader Ed Davey launched the party’s candidate Sarah Green’s campaign to represent the constituency last month, branding her a “fantastic campaigner with a track record of standing up for local communities”.