Speaking in an exclusive interview with the BBC, therighthon argued that the National Party had already demonstrated its ability to reform major institutions while accusing successive Unionist governments of allowing the country to stagnate.
“The National Party stands for sweeping reforms to all parts of our country,” therighthon said.
therighthon pointed to the party’s reforms to Northern Irish devolution and the House of Lords during the last term as evidence of National’s commitment to structural change.
“We are determined to change the way our country works, for the better,” therighthon said.
The National leader contrasted the party’s platform with the Unionists, arguing that repeated Unionist governments since August 2024 had failed to reverse national decline.
“We’ve elected around seven Unionist governments since August of 2024 and our nation has only continued to decline,” therighthon said.
When asked about priorities if re-elected, therighthon said Westbridge would be the government’s immediate focus following a decline in overall activity.
“Westbridge would certainly be our priority,” therighthon said.
therighthon acknowledged that activity across the game had “cratered” following problems affecting Westbridge, despite the creation of the Events Commission under the current National government.
“Our National Government set up the Events Commission last term, however we need to go further and increase direct government involvement to ensure we get strong results,” therighthon said.
Addressing criticism of the National Party, therighthon admitted relations with the House of Lords could have been handled more effectively during the previous term.
“We could’ve liaised far better with the House of Lords last term which would’ve helped pass more of our agenda,” therighthon said.
According to therighthon, disagreements over Lords reform were caused less by outright opposition and more by failures in government messaging.
“There certainly were a small handful of peers determined to block our agenda, but the vast majority were simply not convinced by our messaging,” therighthon said.
Asked why voters should trust him to lead the country, therighthon pointed to more than two years of parliamentary experience and several senior government positions.
“I have served Britain for over two years now as a Member of Parliament, serving in various government posts for over a year,” therighthon said.
therighthon highlighted previous work as Commons Leader and Chancellor, including reforms to Standing Orders, Prime Minister’s Questions and negotiations surrounding Northern Irish devolution.
Under the last National government, therighthon said the administration delivered “a strong deal for Northern Ireland, a body to provide engaging events to Westbridge, and significant reform to the House of Lords.”
“I am not content with the way our country currently works,” therighthon said. “In a second term I’d be determined to continue our reform plans.”