A leading Conservative has told fishermen from the north-east that the only way to create jobs and secure Brexit is by voting for change.
Michael Gove was in Peterhead yesterday when he toured the port’s fish market with local Tory candidate David Duguid and campaigners.
He talked with local fishermen during the morning and even bumped into familiar faces who, rather than recognise him as a part of the UK cabinet, remembered him from his time in the fish markets of Aberdeen where his dad once owned a processing firm.
The visit came just weeks after the party’s Scottish leader, Ruth Davidson, made the same tour.
And yesterday, Mr Gove’s message to the traders at the market was that only his party could deliver “real change”.
Speaking afterwards, he said: “I was here a year ago – and one of the arguments we were making then was that the fish trade suffered during the time we have been in the EU.
“There is a sea of opportunity when we leave. We can see what has been an industry that has suffered and is in decline revived.”
Mr Gove added that there was an expectation that, upon leaving the common fisheries policy (CFP), thousands of jobs could be created to support the industry.
“It is only by making sure that you get a Conservative MP elected here and getting a strong mandate for Theresa May that we’ll be able to reap all the benefits of being outside the EU,” he said.
“There’s a real chance this time.
“If everyone follows their own beliefs and votes as their heart will tell them then the Conservatives can win in Moray, Banff and Buchan, in Gordon and Aberdeen South and West Aberdeenshire.”
He acknowledged, however, that some fishermen are yet to be convinced by the party’s pledge of a brighter future.
The Tory Government under Sir Edward Heath had signed up to the CFP in the 70s.
Mr Gove said: “My dad and his business was affected like lots of other businesses by the CFP, so I completely understand it.
“We’ve learned our lesson, and that is why in our manifesto it is so clear that we will take back control of that 200 mile limit and leave the London agreement.
“The SNP cannot give the same guarantee.”