RISHI Sunak vowed to rejuvenate the high street last night by slashing the number of empty shops as part of a bid to keep his leadership chances alive.
The ex-Chancellor’s new policy blitz will see more powers for cops to keep streets safe from anti-social behaviour aided by new dispersal powers.
He wants to dramatically reduce the 58,000 shops sitting idle and turn them into “thriving local assets”.
Sunak, whose resignation as Chancellor led to Boris Johnson quitting, added: “I have been clear that I have a plan to rebuild our economy; our high streets are a crucial part of that.”
It comes as leadership rival Liz Truss said she would slash taxes and red tape for small businesses to help get the economy growing.
Allies of Mr Sunak pointed out that he gave firms a business rates discount of fifty per cent worth £7billion to high street shops, pubs and restaurants in last year’s Budget.
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Ballot papers will start landing on doormats from tomorrow with Sunak visiting six associations yesterday to win over Tory members.
One supporter last night said: “It’s still all to play for. Not one vote has been cast yet.” Ms Truss said she was “fighting for every vote” in the race for No10.
Liz Truss is 1/9 to be the next Tory leader with her rival Mr Sunak at 9/1, as per Betfair Exchange.
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