10-18-2020, 05:58 PM
I have just been to Buckingham Palace, where Her Majesty the Queen has asked me to form a new government. I have gratefully accepted.
That may surprise some. I have heard it said that this job is a poisoned chalice, but such an analysis could not be further from the truth. To serve this country – this whole country – is a duty and an honour, not an opportunity for self service.
I expect that many of you watching me on television, listening in via the wireless, or reading this in the morning papers, will have felt an abject desire to switch off at some point in the last twenty four hours. That this country should have seen another leader exit the stage so soon after the curtains had risen does not bode well for our country's stability. Bluntly – the last holders of this office have failed you. And you are right to demand better from your Government. There can be no denying that the call is out for a significant change in the way this country is run.
I believe that I can offer that change.
I believe that there exists a middle ground between radical socialism and unbridled capitalism. There still exists a space for a compassionate, one nation conservative government that exerts its energy on delivering the sound and credible policy that this country needs not in backroom deals and shady politics. I am committed to delivering this for you.
One cannot doubt that there is much to lust over in the thrall of the extremes, but they are built on empty promises, half truths and harsh realities. After a series of major failings from governments now past, the two poles will no doubt have become yet more appealing. No more. This Government will deliver a credible, genuine and clean middle ground that appeals to those from all political persuasions and walks of life. We do not live in some endless battle of class struggle and political war – and we can develop a nation where all benefit. We can – and we will – achieve a melting pot of social consciousness, individual liberties and true meritocracy where everyone has the chance and the opportunity to thrive and strive.
It would be foolish to ignore the situation that has befallen this party. For the actions of a small number of self serving politicians have put this vision for Britain in peril. It has done this country no good to waste away days on infighting, when there is serious change that has to happen in this country. My promise to you is that it will no longer be a truth that you are ignored whilst politicians on all sides bicker for their own benefit. I have been elected by my party to end this status quo. I cannot say it more plainly than this – the impunity ends now. This is a party under new management. The rot has been cleared. We are a government with a clear vision for a proud Britain.
This is a government that will return to the roots of our party, and instead of divisive policy and acts of political ego – it will put the needs of the people first. I will not serve as the Prime Minister of the right over the left, nor as the Prime Minister of rich against poor, and certainly not as the Prime Minister of Europhiles at the expense of Eurosceptics. This, particularly, is an important issue to which I would like to make note. Britain is a country of free thinkers, and we are all entitled to our own views. I will listen to those views, and ensure that your will is enacted. This government will back the broad tent thinking that has made us the most successful political movement in the Western World.
We do not have long until the next election, but we have important work left to complete: our final budget of this Parliament that will see us continue to build a strong economy where hard-working people keep more of their money and our sensible economics ensures a strong and vibrant economy that gives us the ability to invest in our excellent public services. We will deliver our renewed commitment to the environment and the future of our nation’s energy, we will begin much needed reform of our security services so never again will they be open to abuse.
So I ask you to put your faith in this new government – to put your faith in me – for it will be repaid in kind. Let us, together, unleash the future.
That may surprise some. I have heard it said that this job is a poisoned chalice, but such an analysis could not be further from the truth. To serve this country – this whole country – is a duty and an honour, not an opportunity for self service.
I expect that many of you watching me on television, listening in via the wireless, or reading this in the morning papers, will have felt an abject desire to switch off at some point in the last twenty four hours. That this country should have seen another leader exit the stage so soon after the curtains had risen does not bode well for our country's stability. Bluntly – the last holders of this office have failed you. And you are right to demand better from your Government. There can be no denying that the call is out for a significant change in the way this country is run.
I believe that I can offer that change.
I believe that there exists a middle ground between radical socialism and unbridled capitalism. There still exists a space for a compassionate, one nation conservative government that exerts its energy on delivering the sound and credible policy that this country needs not in backroom deals and shady politics. I am committed to delivering this for you.
One cannot doubt that there is much to lust over in the thrall of the extremes, but they are built on empty promises, half truths and harsh realities. After a series of major failings from governments now past, the two poles will no doubt have become yet more appealing. No more. This Government will deliver a credible, genuine and clean middle ground that appeals to those from all political persuasions and walks of life. We do not live in some endless battle of class struggle and political war – and we can develop a nation where all benefit. We can – and we will – achieve a melting pot of social consciousness, individual liberties and true meritocracy where everyone has the chance and the opportunity to thrive and strive.
It would be foolish to ignore the situation that has befallen this party. For the actions of a small number of self serving politicians have put this vision for Britain in peril. It has done this country no good to waste away days on infighting, when there is serious change that has to happen in this country. My promise to you is that it will no longer be a truth that you are ignored whilst politicians on all sides bicker for their own benefit. I have been elected by my party to end this status quo. I cannot say it more plainly than this – the impunity ends now. This is a party under new management. The rot has been cleared. We are a government with a clear vision for a proud Britain.
This is a government that will return to the roots of our party, and instead of divisive policy and acts of political ego – it will put the needs of the people first. I will not serve as the Prime Minister of the right over the left, nor as the Prime Minister of rich against poor, and certainly not as the Prime Minister of Europhiles at the expense of Eurosceptics. This, particularly, is an important issue to which I would like to make note. Britain is a country of free thinkers, and we are all entitled to our own views. I will listen to those views, and ensure that your will is enacted. This government will back the broad tent thinking that has made us the most successful political movement in the Western World.
We do not have long until the next election, but we have important work left to complete: our final budget of this Parliament that will see us continue to build a strong economy where hard-working people keep more of their money and our sensible economics ensures a strong and vibrant economy that gives us the ability to invest in our excellent public services. We will deliver our renewed commitment to the environment and the future of our nation’s energy, we will begin much needed reform of our security services so never again will they be open to abuse.
So I ask you to put your faith in this new government – to put your faith in me – for it will be repaid in kind. Let us, together, unleash the future.