Davis hails a ‘new Tory idealism’
Leadership hopeful David Davis today hailed a “new Tory idealism” that would see right-wing methods used to create a better society for everyone.
The shadow home secretary said social justice could become a Conservative issue, and the party should show how its principles would help those “at the bottom of the pile” and not just the wealthy few.
Former chancellor Ken Clarke says it is now a two-horse race between him and right-winger Mr Davis, but rival Liam Fox claims his campaign is gaining momentum as he sets out his vision in a speech tonight.
In a speech to the think tank the Institute for Public Policy Research, Mr Davis cited Winston Churchill in arguing for a “just society… in which no-one is deprived of opportunity and no-one is excluded”.
He said the party sometimes behaved as if the left had “acquired a freehold on social policy”.
“I stand for a new Tory idealism,” he continued.
“I want to achieve the aims that moderate Conservatives have always championed; a strong society based on a free economy, with opportunity for all.
“To achieve those aims we need the methods which have been championed by thinkers of the right; decentralisation, less state intervention, competition and choice.”
“This is an idealism that brings together the various Tory traditions, and gives us the route map to a healthy society.”
The Haltemprice and Howden MP set out six principles for a future Conservative government.
These would be a low-tax and low-regulation economy, decentralisation, strong law and order, reform of public services, support for the family through the tax system and tackling welfare dependency.
Mr Davis grew up on a council estate in south London before studying at Warwick university, London Business School and Harvard.
He was a party chairman under Ian Duncan Smith, before being moved to shadow John Prescott in the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. He became shadow home secretary in November 2003.
Read profiles of the Tory leadership candidates.
