Nigel Huddleston has been the MP for Droitwich and Evesham, previously Mid Worcestershire, since 2015 and is the Shadow Financial Secretary to the Treasury.
There’s something about Kemi – something special. She is one of the few politicians with mononym status (known by a single word name). Although she’ll gently remind anyone who pronounces her surname wrongly that “it’s BAYdenoch not BADenoch – as there is no bad in Badenoch.”
Mononyms are usually reserved for celebrities, and there is a star quality about Kemi.
This is not to disparage any of the other Conservative leadership candidates; I would count all of them not just as colleagues but friends, and I could see each of them as leader – albeit with distinctly different styles.
Kemi’s leadership style is a particular strength and one of three key reasons, alongside her skills and her values, why I am supporting her. I was able to see each of these elements up close when I was International Trade Minister and she was my Secretary of State at the Department for Business and Trade.
Values are at the heart of Kemi’s leadership bid, as evidenced by the launch of Renewal2030, the name she has chosen for her campaign. This values-based approach in large part explains why she is attracting support from people like me, traditionally seen as on the left of the party, as well as those on the right.
The reason? She is laser-focused on renewing the party based on the underlying principles and values that bind us all together as Conservatives. From there, we will develop specific policies to win the next general election.
I am not the only one attracted by this common ground approach, as opposed to the right vs left approach to reviving and reinvigorating the party.
I have also seen Kemi’s values in action in her work in her various ministerial roles. She not only advocates these values, she puts them into action in policy. From defending freedom, meritocracy and social justice to protecting free markets and supporting enterprise. Her instincts are unapologetically pro-business, low-tax, and small-government.
Governments should know when to help, but also know when to get out the way. Whitehall doesn’t always know best: it is the responsibility of ministers to create the environment in which individuals, businesses and society can thrive – creating opportunities for all. In every department Kemi has worked in she has left her mark by following this philosophy.
In terms of specific skills, this is an area where I have been particularly impressed. At the Department for Business and Trade, Kemi was able to get the best out of her team of ministers and civil servants because she was herself all over the details and knows how to motivate people.
Turn up prepared, expect to be asked challenging questions, and demonstrate progress, and you will be thanked and praised for good results.
Meetings with Kemi always have a purpose, and they start and end on time. Her door was always open for help and advice and the exchange of ideas, but otherwise you know what needs to be done, and she wants you to get on with it.
A professional and results-focused approach is expected in business, so why not in government and politics? In international trade negotiations, the other side knew Kemi was always fully prepared and was no push-over.
In the chamber of the House of Commons, meanwhile, her opposite numbers know not to underestimate her. She has already shown herself more than capable of holding the opposition to account.
And in terms of style, Kemi’s pragmatism has always struck me. When she needs to show a firm lead, when she needs to be demanding or challenging, that’s what you will get.
But, boy, can she turn on the charm when she needs to. I have lost count of the number of overseas officials and ministers who have fallen under the spell. Whether the exchange is friendly or robust, delivered with a smile or a frown, it will always be honest. This style commands immense respect and loyalty.
For these reasons and more, Kemi has my full support. She is an effective leader, a straight talker, and possesses the skills and character to not only lead us in opposition but into government.
To win we must project confidence in ourselves, in our party and in our country. We need someone with Kemi’s optimism, drive and ambition. Some opposition MPs tell me she is the candidate they fear most: I cannot think of a better compliment.
Nigel Huddleston has been the MP for Droitwich and Evesham, previously Mid Worcestershire, since 2015 and is the Shadow Financial Secretary to the Treasury.
There’s something about Kemi – something special. She is one of the few politicians with mononym status (known by a single word name). Although she’ll gently remind anyone who pronounces her surname wrongly that “it’s BAYdenoch not BADenoch – as there is no bad in Badenoch.”
Mononyms are usually reserved for celebrities, and there is a star quality about Kemi.
This is not to disparage any of the other Conservative leadership candidates; I would count all of them not just as colleagues but friends, and I could see each of them as leader – albeit with distinctly different styles.
Kemi’s leadership style is a particular strength and one of three key reasons, alongside her skills and her values, why I am supporting her. I was able to see each of these elements up close when I was International Trade Minister and she was my Secretary of State at the Department for Business and Trade.
Values are at the heart of Kemi’s leadership bid, as evidenced by the launch of Renewal2030, the name she has chosen for her campaign. This values-based approach in large part explains why she is attracting support from people like me, traditionally seen as on the left of the party, as well as those on the right.
The reason? She is laser-focused on renewing the party based on the underlying principles and values that bind us all together as Conservatives. From there, we will develop specific policies to win the next general election.
I am not the only one attracted by this common ground approach, as opposed to the right vs left approach to reviving and reinvigorating the party.
I have also seen Kemi’s values in action in her work in her various ministerial roles. She not only advocates these values, she puts them into action in policy. From defending freedom, meritocracy and social justice to protecting free markets and supporting enterprise. Her instincts are unapologetically pro-business, low-tax, and small-government.
Governments should know when to help, but also know when to get out the way. Whitehall doesn’t always know best: it is the responsibility of ministers to create the environment in which individuals, businesses and society can thrive – creating opportunities for all. In every department Kemi has worked in she has left her mark by following this philosophy.
In terms of specific skills, this is an area where I have been particularly impressed. At the Department for Business and Trade, Kemi was able to get the best out of her team of ministers and civil servants because she was herself all over the details and knows how to motivate people.
Turn up prepared, expect to be asked challenging questions, and demonstrate progress, and you will be thanked and praised for good results.
Meetings with Kemi always have a purpose, and they start and end on time. Her door was always open for help and advice and the exchange of ideas, but otherwise you know what needs to be done, and she wants you to get on with it.
A professional and results-focused approach is expected in business, so why not in government and politics? In international trade negotiations, the other side knew Kemi was always fully prepared and was no push-over.
In the chamber of the House of Commons, meanwhile, her opposite numbers know not to underestimate her. She has already shown herself more than capable of holding the opposition to account.
And in terms of style, Kemi’s pragmatism has always struck me. When she needs to show a firm lead, when she needs to be demanding or challenging, that’s what you will get.
But, boy, can she turn on the charm when she needs to. I have lost count of the number of overseas officials and ministers who have fallen under the spell. Whether the exchange is friendly or robust, delivered with a smile or a frown, it will always be honest. This style commands immense respect and loyalty.
For these reasons and more, Kemi has my full support. She is an effective leader, a straight talker, and possesses the skills and character to not only lead us in opposition but into government.
To win we must project confidence in ourselves, in our party and in our country. We need someone with Kemi’s optimism, drive and ambition. Some opposition MPs tell me she is the candidate they fear most: I cannot think of a better compliment.