Tom Tugendhat Seeks Conservative Redemption: Apologizes for Past Errors and Pledges New Leadership Direction

Tom Tugendhat expresses regret for past Conservative administrations' 'disrespect and double standards'

As he makes his case to be the next leader of the Conservative Party, the ex-security minister pledges to "restore trust" following a challenging ten years for his party.

Political correspondent @NifS

Tuesday, September 3, 2024, 1:

Ex-minister Tom Tugendhat issued an apology for the "disrespect and double standards" demonstrated by past Conservative administrations as he launched his campaign to be the next leader of the party.

Addressing his supporters in Westminster during the kickoff of his campaign, Mr. Tugendhat expressed that he had observed the recent turmoil within the Conservative Party with feelings of despair and frustration, noting a shift from responsibility to self-interest.

He asserted that with his guidance, the party would "restore a trustworthy, accountable government – one that serves the citizens, drives necessary reforms, and fulfills its promises."

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Mr. Tugendhat is among six contenders aiming to become the leader of the Conservative Party after their significant defeat to the Labour Party in the general election held in July. The other candidates include Kemi Badenoch, James Cleverly, Robert Jenrick, Dame Priti Patel, and Mel Stride.

On Monday, both Ms. Badenoch and Mr. Cleverly held their campaign kickoffs. Ms. Badenoch took the opportunity to critique the administration she was once a part of, while Mr. Cleverly promised to reintroduce certain policies from that government, such as the Rwanda deportation plan.

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On Tuesday evening, all six candidates will participate in a debate in parliament before the initial round of MP voting on Wednesday, where the candidate with the fewest votes will be ousted from the competition.

Additional voting is scheduled for next Monday to narrow the field to four candidates, who will then participate in a live debate at the Conservative Party conference later this month.

Following a vote by Members of Parliament, the broader party base will select their leader from the final two candidates, with the announcement of the winner anticipated on November 2.

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During his campaign kickoff, Mr. Tugendhat expressed his ambition not merely to lead the opposition, but to become prime minister. He appealed for a revitalization of his party following their recent significant defeats. He emphasized the need for his party to regain respect through proven experience and realistic approaches, to earn admiration for their integrity, to be recognized for their accomplishments, and to be credited for their ability to identify and rectify their mistakes.

He stated: "I am convinced that this will guide our party to regain control."

The former minister stated that his objective was to ensure the well-being and wealth of the British populace, promising to initiate a new "Conservative revolution" by investing in infrastructure and reforming public services.

He reaffirmed his commitment to limiting the annual number of immigrants entering the UK to 100,000.

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During the Conservative Party's internal discussion on whether the UK should continue its affiliation with the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), Mr. Tugendhat expressed his view that the UK should "withdraw from certain provisions and modify others."

However, he stated: "Should we not meet our objectives within an acceptable period… I am ready to walk away."

Directing his criticism towards the Labour Party and the Prime Minister, he accused Sir Keir Starmer of consistently undermining the country, attributing this to Starmer's lack of vision for national development.

While the candidate for leadership acknowledged the challenges ahead, he pointed the finger at Downing Street, stating: "Even with his substantial majority, [Sir Keir] is completely clueless about his actions."

Wrapping up his presentation and revisiting his earlier remorse, Mr. Tugendhat stated, "I am committed to earning back your trust and to serving our magnificent nation, as I have consistently done.

"The most sincere amends I can make for previous actions is to commit to superior leadership and a brighter future, which I will continuously strive to provide."

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