Articles and Speeches

The Conservative Leadership Election
07-Oct-05, Windsor Express Column.

"This week I’ve been at the Conservative Party conference in Blackpool; And what a conference it’s been!

This was an unadulterated leadership contest. The halls and corridors were fizzing and buzzing with ideas and discussion, rumour and conjecture. It was great.

On Monday, Malcolm Rifkind was polished energetic and re-established himself as a first-rate politician.

On Tuesday David Cameron shone like a shiney pebble, establishing himself as a serious and competent leadership contender and ably won the heart of the audience. Ken Clarke confirmed himself as the consummate big beast of politics, inspiring confidence, laughter and an upbeat mood.

On Wednesday David Davis delivered a clear and firm message about enabling opportunity and ensuring safer streets. And Liam Fox wowed the audience with wit and humour and a rousing agenda for British self-confidence.

It has been reassuring to see so many good candidates and fellow Conservative MPs vying for the top job based on their vision for the future of our country.

This leadership election is important. It is not only about the future of the Conservative Party, it is about the future quality of our lives and our nation.

Whatever your voting history, it is undeniable that Britain needs a viable and robust leader of the Opposition to hold the Government to account.

But, perhaps above all, we need a visionary leader who offers an antidote to a Government which is failing the most vulnerable in our society."

Adam Afriyie, MP for Windsor