Fraser Nelson Fraser Nelson

Javid’s home truths

The Communities Secretary also talks about the green belt, Brexit and his 'homeless' childhood

issue 11 February 2017

Just before Christmas, Sajid Javid performed a ritual he has observed twice a year throughout his adult life: he read the courtroom scene in The Fountainhead. To Ayn Rand fans, it’s famous: the hero declares his principles and his willingness to be imprisoned for them if need be. As a student, Javid read the passage to his now-wife, but only once — she told him she’d have nothing more to do with him if he tried it again.

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