Danny Kruger says he is excited to campaign in East Wiltshire

The majority of East Wiltshire will be formed by the current constituency of Devizes, running down the east of the county from Wanborough to just north of Wilton.

A considerable area north of Salisbury will be transferred to East Wiltshire, including Tilshead, Shrewton and Amesbury.

The Conservative MP has represented Devizes since 2019, before which he worked in roles such as political secretary to Boris Johnson and chief speechwriter to David Cameron.

Read more: All you need to know about new East Wiltshire constituency ahead of next election

Speaking on his background with charities, Kruger said: “I’ve worked with young people, families, ex-prisoners.

“I want to create a stronger foundation for our society, which is thriving families in neighbourhoods, people who look out for each other.”

With regards to East Wiltshire, he described his focus to be on the environment, notably the health of the rivers and biodiversity, as well as crime and army life.

He said: “I think we can do a lot more to support out farmers in growing the food we need in a way that is sustainable and ecologically positive.

“One of the great benefits and opourportunities of Brexit was to design a support system for British farmers that works.

“We’re still well away from having a system that farmers can trust and have confidence in.”

Kruger believes the county has seen an improvement in the quality of policing since the election of Philip Wilkinson as Police and Crime Commissioner in August 2021.

He noted: “I think Phillip’s work is a testament to hard-headed practical policing focusing on the front line, reducing all the bureaucracy and political correctness at police HQ.”

He added: “I have major anxieties about the size of our armed forces given all the threats we now face, particularly in Russia.

“I’m pleased that the government has made very successful increases in the budget for the army and the armed forces.

“There have been real improvements in the quality of army accommodation and the conditions that our soldiers live in, but we still need to do a lot more.”

Kruger said he understood the cost of living crisis was a key issue for many residents, but that he was hopeful they would start to see an improvement this year.

He said: “It’s a tough time to be campaigning, we’ve been in power for some years and the country has been through huge challenges recently.”

The MP also spoke about the importance he places on the younger generation in Wiltshire.

He said: “I’d like to imagine that young people growing up in Wiltshire could have a great life here and not feel they have to go away to some distant city in order to have a successful career.”

Kruger believes that for this to happen, the connectivity of the county needs to be improved through better transport and broadband.

Read also: East Wiltshire Lib Dems announce candidate for next election

He also supports affordable housing for families, whilst resisting “inappropriate developments.”

When asked about his work with the New Conservatives group on a national level, he said: “I have been proud to represent Wiltshire for the last five years, I know it very well and what’s needed is a proper balance between understanding and experience that enables you to do your job representing local community, but also being part of national policy debates and understanding the way the government works in Westminster.”

He added: “Wiltshire is like the UK, it’s full of people with different political views.

“The weight of opinion though is in favour of controlled migration and reduction of the numbers overall.

“I don’t expect I speak for everybody, and I’ve made it a point of principle to give a hearing to people who disagree with me and represent them where I can.”

Kruger concluded: “My passion is about how to make this wonderfully old-fashioned place also a thriving community in the 21st century.”