Macstaff MD, Anthony McCormack opened his door to one of UK politics’ most polarising figures this week, Conservative MP Jacob Rees-Mogg.

We have been focusing a lot on General Election issues on Macstaff social media over the past few weeks so Anthony wanted to share his experience and conversation with readers of this blog.

The Q&A below is paraphrased but a fair representation of the conversation he had.

Macstaff: “I’m not that keen on Rishi, will we get a new leader after the election?”

Jacob Rees-Mogg: “It depends on if we win or lose but, if we lose, any number of people could come forward as a successor. I had suggested Penny Mourdant and Mark’s suggestion of Nigel Farage!”

“The important thing is to have an effective opposition. A supermajority is not good in Westminster, the ruling party should feel they need to win the argument and be held accountable.”

Macstaff MD Anthony McCormack with Conservative MP Jacob Rees-Mogg.

Macstaff: “Why did the boundaries change locally?”

JRM: “Bath was too small, so boundaries were reallocated meaning some of south Gloucestershire has been added to this area.”

Macstaff: “For us, there is a lack of funding in schools, high staff turnover and a kids’ mental health epidemic. What can you do about it?”

JRM: “More needs to be done. However, he also pointed out that Bath and North East Somerset (constituency) have some pioneering special schools like Fosseway School.

Macstaff: “What about the housing ladder being out of reach for my daughters’ generation.”

JRM: I am keen on housing for green and brown belt areas to mitigate the housing crisis. I believe in home ownership and building more affordable housing.”

Overall, he was knowledgeable, patient, polite and empathetic. He acknowledged he was essentially interviewing with us for the job of local MP and he hopes the people of the area we will give him a chance.

Anthony said there’s more chance I will vote for you now you have been round to our house – and we shook hands!

READ MORE: ‘BLOG – My tools for positive mental health’