Mel Stride MP nominated for Frontbench MP of the Year

Central Devon MP Mel Stride has been nominated for the prestigious ‘Frontbench MP of the Year’ award, recognising his contributions to UK politics. The Pagefield Awards celebrate MPs who shape political discourse, hold power to account, and drive meaningful change.

Pagefield praised Mr Stride’s role in scrutinizing the government, noting that his critique of the UK’s economic performance has been a defining feature of the early days of the new Parliament. As Shadow Chancellor, Mr Stride has been vocal in opposing the National Insurance rise and Family Farms Tax, positioning himself as a leading figure on the Opposition benches.

Reacting to the nomination, Mr Stride said: “I’m honoured to be shortlisted for Pagefield’s ‘Frontbench MP of the Year’ award, and I congratulate my fellow nominees. While we may not always agree on every issue, I respect the dedication with which they serve the public.”

Mr Stride reaffirmed his commitment to holding the government to account, particularly in response to what he termed an “anti-business Budget” and the introduction of the “reckless Jobs Tax.”

Six MPs have been shortlisted for the award, with the winner set to be announced on Tuesday, March 18. Last year’s award was jointly won by former Prime Minister Lord Cameron and Labour’s Wes Streeting.

Mel Stride recently addressed over 200 delegates at the Conservative South West Conference in Taunton on Saturday, February 22, where he criticised the government’s economic policies, particularly the National Insurance rise, calling it a “disastrous” measure that threatens jobs and raises costs for families.

Speaking at Somerset County Cricket Ground, Mr Stride engaged with party members and activists, speaking about concerns over government policies. “It was fantastic to speak to so many passionate individuals at the South West Conference. The public wants a pro-business government – not one that makes life harder. By squeezing businesses, the government is forcing job cuts and stifling growth,” he stated.

Mr Stride reiterated that rising inflation, job losses, and economic stagnation are consequences of the government’s £25 billion National Insurance hike. He warned that British businesses are shedding jobs at the fastest rate since the global financial crisis.

On Wednesday, February 26, during a Family Businesses debate in Parliament, Mr Stride urged the Chancellor to reconsider the National Insurance rise and focus on welfare reforms to stimulate economic growth.

“If this Government has the backbone to bring forward serious proposals to address the welfare budget, allowing the Chancellor to reverse the National Insurance increases on March 26, the Opposition will support her,” Mr Stride declared in the Commons.

He later added: “Gripping welfare will allow us to kick-start this flatlining economy.”