Cleverly Pitches Experience in Tory Leadership Bid, Echoing Past Rhetoric
James Cleverly positions himself as the seasoned choice for Conservative leadership, emphasizing his readiness to lead from day one. His speech draws parallels to historical political rhetoric and promises a Reagan-like approach.
In a strategic move to position himself as the most qualified candidate for the Conservative Party leadership, James Cleverly delivered a compelling speech at the Conservative Party Conference on October 2, 2024. The former Foreign Secretary emphasized his extensive experience, cautioning that "now is not the time for an apprentice" in leading the party into the next general election.
Cleverly's rhetoric echoed a similar sentiment expressed by Gordon Brown at the Labour Party conference in September 2008, where Brown famously declared, "This is no time for a novice." This historical parallel underscores the cyclical nature of political discourse and the enduring emphasis on experience in leadership contests.
Drawing on his tenure in two Great Offices of State, Cleverly highlighted his readiness to tackle immediate challenges, particularly in the realm of foreign policy. He stressed the importance of having a leader capable of making crucial decisions in times of crisis, alluding to the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
The leadership hopeful took pride in his diverse "apprenticeships" within the political sphere. He cited his role in the Metropolitan Police Authority, where he claimed to have "kicked out corrupt coppers," framing it as a moral apprenticeship. Cleverly also described his time as Conservative Party chairman during the 2019 general election as a "whirlwind apprenticeship," suggesting it provided him with insights into necessary party reforms.
In a subtle jab at his rival Robert Jenrick, Cleverly touted his achievements in reducing immigration by 300,000 people annually and deporting foreign criminals. This veiled criticism comes in the context of Jenrick's resignation as Home Office minister over the controversial Rwanda scheme in December.
Cleverly's speech also revealed his admiration for Ronald Reagan's leadership style. He pledged to lead the Conservative Party with Reagan-like optimism, promising to cut taxes, reduce regulation, and increase military spending – a strategy that resonated with the party faithful.
"Leadership is about things like making the tough decisions when you get that ugly phone call in the middle of the night to keep this country safe."
As the UK approaches its next general election, due no later than January 2025, Cleverly's pitch for leadership emphasizes stability and experience. With the Conservative Party having been in power since 2010, the choice of leader could be crucial in determining their electoral fortunes.
The leadership contest unfolds against a backdrop of global challenges, including the ongoing support for Ukraine following Russia's invasion and persistent tensions in the Middle East. Cleverly's emphasis on his foreign policy experience appears tailored to address these pressing international issues.
As the Conservative Party deliberates on its future direction, Cleverly's speech serves as a reminder of the party's recent history and the importance of seasoned leadership in navigating complex political landscapes. The coming weeks will reveal whether his pitch for experienced leadership resonates with party members and MPs alike.
