On Wednesday, I voted for Kemi. Why? This is one of the most important decisions I will ever make. On it rests not just the future of the Conservative Party, or whether I will have the honour of representing Faversham and Mid Kent beyond 2029 – on it rests the future of our country.
It’s something I think about a lot. This is the country my children will become adults in and forge their lives, just like everyone else’s children. All our futures depend on our country’s peace and prosperity.
We stand at a crossroads in an increasingly dangerous world, and the choices we make over the coming years aren’t just about the present. They will define us for generations to come.
I heard the message from voters on July 4 loud and clear. I spoke to hundreds of people in my own constituency. I lost count of how many people told me they just didn’t want us in charge any more. But very few told me they wanted Labour in charge instead.
Already on the doorsteps, people have told me how disappointed they are, how let down they feel by Labour, how lied to. Already Sir Keir Starmer and Labour are failing to provide the leadership and direction this country needs.
Between now and 2029, we need to set out a better future. The Conservative party must offer a vision and a team that the country can get behind, and then get on and deliver for people.
I believe Kemi can do this. We need a braver kind of politics – and politicians – for the challenges we face. Kemi is brave. We need conviction. Everyone knows Kemi has that.
And, crucially, the right convictions. Like trusting people and recognising there’s only so much that government can or should do. Like the importance of equality under the law, rather than identity politics. Like knowing how much families matter in our society. Like me, Kemi cares deeply about our country. Her convictions chime with me, and I think with many people.
We need to face up to the hard truths. We mustn’t pretend there are easy answers and we must be straight with people. Telling people how it is doesn’t mean talking our country down.
We have so many reasons to hold our heads high and be positive about the future. Keir Starmer is already damaging our economy with his doom and gloom.
We need optimism. We need to seize opportunities. In fact, we need to make opportunities for people. Kemi is optimistic. She thinks about how we are going to succeed in the world of the future rather than just in the world of today.
We need to be humble, to learn the lessons of the election and our time in government. It’s time for us to listen to voters, and to Conservative Party members.
Some people have told me they think members have too much say – but my answer to that is if you want to have a say beyond your vote, become a party member. It costs less than many people spend on coffee each year.
We need to be a team. People were sick of in-fighting among MPs. But it’s not just about unity and a unified message. It’s about drawing on the wisdom and expertise of people across our country. No one person has all the answers. Kemi recognises this. She brings people together, brilliant people, and not necessarily the people you would expect.
The stakes are too high for our party to be in the wilderness licking its wounds. We need a leader who will unite the party and build a broader Conservative movement fit for our time.
Someone who will make people look again at us Conservatives and think ‘that’s what my country needs’ – or better still – ‘I want to be part of that’. And we need someone who will take on the challenges our country faces so we can be confident in the future for all our children. That’s why I voted for Kemi.
