IMPROVING transport links and building more houses are key priorities for the government in the South West, says new Conservative Party chairman Brandon Lewis.

Mr Lewis, who took on the role last month, highlighted the government’s successes in the region and outlined his plans for the future at the recent South West Conservative Conference.

Mr Lewis gave the keynote speech before taking questions from audience of MPs, councillors and members at The Bristol Hotel in Bristol.

He said: “The government is investing record levels in the region’s transport infrastructure, with several projects already complete and many others moving forward.

“These include major road upgrades to the A30 in Cornwall, the A358 near Taunton, the A303 near Yeovil, the A303 at Stonehenge and the A419 in Gloucestershire.

“Also last week we confirmed £140m of funding for the South West towards vital infrastructure which will pave the way for thousands of much-needed new homes to be built more quickly, covering 27 different housing projects across the region.”

In a recent interview, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said that levels of homelessness in the UK were “disgraceful” and “wholly unnecessary”. He called on the government to do more to tackle the issue right across the country.

Mr Lewis added: “Building more houses in the areas which need them the most are among our top priorities.”