The Conservative candidate for Macclesfield has revealed what his 'greatest achievement' would be, if he was elected as Macclesfield's MP.

David Rutley is contesting his fifth election in Macclesfield, having served as the constituency's MP from May 2010, until May 30 2024 when the last parliament was dissolved.

He revealed his achievement goal when speaking at the St. Michael's Church election hustings on Monday evening.

The 63-year-old was responding to the question "If elected, what would you personally like to have achieved in order to consider your term in Parliament to be a success?"

The candidates, left to right: Stephen Broadhurst (Reform), Dickie Fletcher (SDP), Neil Christian (Lib Dem), David Rutley (Conservatives), Amanda Iremonger (Greens), Christopher Wellavize (Independent), Tim Roca (Labour).

"Mine would be helping to challenge the mental health crisis in young people," he said.

"We've got four great kids, older now 18 up to 26. But I remember for many, many young people, and it is really concerning to see stress and anxiety young people are going through at the moment.

"So I will be working hard, I did in previous parliaments to focus on this issue. I think we need to expand our coverage of mental health support teams from 50 to 100 per cent of all schools and colleges in England by 2030.

"I would like to see more support hubs for 18-25 year-olds in every local community.

He also mentioned support for youth mental health at the Under 30s hustings at Tytherington School on Saturday.

"I think we have got such a great model here [in Macclesfield] with Just Drop In [referring to the Brook Street youth wellness charity], and other charities who work closely with young people.

"I think we need to provide more safe spaces for them locally too.

"So that would be my mission."

The Conservative candidate also mentioned Macclesfield town centre and stopping the closure of public services at the tail end of his answer, before his microphone was cut off.

A David Rutley campaign sign in Kettleshulme.

Furthermore, the Conservative manifesto mentions their hopes to 'expanding NHS Talking Therapies by 50% for those with anxiety and depression'.

To read the Conservative manifesto, please click HERE.

In 2019, David Rutley won the election with 28,292 votes, over ten thousand more than the Labour Party who finished second.

Macclesfield will go to the polls in the general election on Thursday, July 4 from 7am to 10pm.

David Rutley (left) pictured at the start of the St. Mike's hustings next to the Green Party candidate Amanda Iremonger (right).

The candidates are: Stephen Broadhurst (Reform UK), Dickie Fletcher (Social Democratic Party), Neil Christian (Liberal Democrats), Amanda Iremonger (Green Party), Tim Roca (Labour Party), David Rutley (Conservatives), Christopher Wellavize (Independent). 

To find more general election news in Macclesfield, please click HERE.