"Put some lead into the collective pencil"

Photo: By UK Parliament

I felt sorry for Sajid Javid, the Home Secretary as he addressed the Conservative Party conference. Despite his high profile and capabilities attendees were already queuing up to hear Boris Johnson speak at a fringe meeting. There was also a large queue to attend a DUP meeting which surprised me.

Nevertheless The Home Secretary gave his flock and anyone watching on TV a good solid speech highlighting his rise from being the son of a Pakistani immigrant living in a rough working class area. He thanked this country for his fortune.

Javid went on to attack those that left this country and rejected British values and promised prosecution on their return. He also promised to deal with Grooming gangs regardless of their origins. He would ensure they were brought to justice.

"Root out anti-Semitism wherever it appears "

With no hesitation or qualification Savid Javid went on to condemn the rise of anti-Semitism and the shock of one one of Britain's major parties, Labour condoning anti-Semitism. We will root out anti-Semitism wherever it appears he said.

Javid who is Muslim received much applause for this and his subsequent condemnation of "Islamophobia". (I know what he means though the term needs changing as it really isn't fit for purpose and is an invention of the left.)

Overall a solid and statesman like speech that puts him firmly in the frame for the future.




Photo: UK Government

Entering conference in a style more akin to a celebrity  than a politician and as far as his audience were concerned he was certainly "one above the crowd". For all his faults (and the are legion), Boris is one of the few modern day politicians worth listening to. So many MP's (of all parties) come over as mundane or self absorbed.

"Put some lead into the collective pencil"

His barnstorming speech will be reported across the media and will overshadow poor old Sajid Javid, a much steadier, credible future leader of the Conservative Party. Nevertheless his attacks on Labour and Corbyn who he argued wanted to nationalise 10% of private industry would wreck the economy. He condemned anti-Semitism and attacked the Labour Party for tolerating it.

One major note of criticism was his attack on social housing just because it "creates Labour voters". I am not convinced that is true and Boris should remember that a third of the working class has always traditionally voted Conservative, Many of them would have or are been do vote for the Tory Party.

Whether Boris has convinced anyone that he is in a leading position to replace Theresa May is open to question. From where I am sitting certainly not and I would in any cases prefer Sajid David. However the PM has an opportunity to re-establish her leadership position and place in the polls providing she comes up with the goods tomorrow.