Steve Baker has discussed why he should be Wycombe’s next MP, why he went on holiday at the start of the general election campaign and what his chances are in the July 4 vote.

The 53-year-old Conservative candidate, who is originally from Cornwall, has been elected as Wycombe’s MP four times in 2019, 2017, 2015 and 2010.

In a new interview, the Northern Ireland minister has set out his six election pledges, which include tackling the cost-of-living crisis and trying to secure new facilities for Wycombe Hospital, which faces a £100 million repairs backlog, much of which relates to its crumbling 1960s tower.

The hospital is one of the top talking points in this year’s election, with candidates across the board promising to try and find more cash to improve the site and some even saying they would try and reopen a Type 1 A&E at the site.

Wycombe’s A&E moved to Stoke Mandeville Hospital in 2006, and the hospital’s existing urgent treatment centre for minor injuries and medical issues is only classed as a Type 3 A&E.

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Baker said: “I am well down the road with the Department of Health and Number 10 towards getting the money.

“The tower block will have to be replaced, but the future of Wycombe Hospital is secure. What needs to happen is to expand the surgical centre, maintain and improve the heart and stroke care.”

Speaking to the Bucks Free Press, the veteran Tory said he also wants to build more new homes by encouraging development on brownfield sites, improve Wycombe’s roads, secure more education funding for the area and crack down on voter fraud.

Baker also responded to criticism he received for refusing to cancel a pre-planned holiday to Vasiliki on the Greek island of Lefkada during the parliamentary recess after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s announcement of the snap election last month.

The Conservative candidate defended the getaway – during which he sailed a catamaran – saying he ‘had the break he needed’.

He added: “I worked about five hours a day, which meant I got all my leaflets drafted and cleared, got my activists lined up, raised the last of the funds I needed to pay for the campaign.

“I know some people weren’t very happy but honestly, I promised my wife a holiday, I needed a holiday. I think it serves Wycombe well that I am rested and ready for the campaign.”

Baker claimed that most non-political people had praised him for refusing to cancel his holiday, pointing out that he started his campaign months ago.

He said he had discussed his holiday with his team and added: “I am not sorry to have had a break and refresh myself.”

The Tory also clarified his views on climate change during a week in which local campaign group ‘Steve Baker Watch’ unfurled a huge banner in front of Dashwood Mausoleum on West Wycombe Hill, which read: “Our MP is a climate crisis denier.”

He said: “There is no question that human beings emitting carbon has changed the climate. Anyone who thinks that that is untrue is kidding themselves. Climate change is happening, and manmade carbon dioxide has contributed to it.”

But he also said: “Some people live in an absolute fantasy world where they think that we can maintain our modern society without nuclear and without gas to get there and it is ridiculous.”

Baker, who is an engineer by trade, has also been criticised for being a trustee of Global Warming Policy Foundation, a climate sceptic think tank set up his former mentor, the ex-chancellor Nigel Lawson.

The MP hopeful said the group’s board is made up of ‘very eminent scientists’ who have expressed a range of views on climate change.

Baker also discussed his chances in the July 4 vote, in which he is projected to lose his seat to Labour’s Emma Reynolds, according to YouGov.

He said: “I am incredibly stoical. It has been a genuine privilege to be the member of parliament for Wycombe over the last 14 years.”

The Conservative candidate is also losing one of his best wards to Chesham and Amersham at this year’s election.

He said: “In the boundary changes we lose Hazlemere. If you look at the last two results and the votes, without Hazlemere, it is for good reason that I am widely expected to lose.”

In the July 4 general election Baker faces Emma Reynolds (Labour), Toni Brodelle (Liberal Democrats), Catherine Bunting (Green Party), Khalil Ahmed (Workers Party of Britain), Richard Phoenix (Reform UK), Ed Gemmell (Climate Party), Ajaz Rehman (Independent), Mark Smallwood (Independent associated with Vote Life).

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