Stephen Crabb has a 3pc chance of winning the Conservative leadership, according to to the bookmakers. Yes, the same ones who said there was a 10pc chance of David Cameron winning a majority and a 7pc chance of Brexit. The seemingly impossible is happening all the time in politics. The obstacles to his joint bid with Sajid Javid are obvious: lack of government experience, lack of MPs’ support (he has 21 so far) and having supported Remain. This is the type of leadership bid aimed at putting down a marker. But for those who believe that this race ought to be as much about ideas as personalities, it’s worth considering their arguments.
Both are interested in blue-collar Conservatism, both have inspiring backstories in an era that regards politics as biography. Personally, I’m a sceptic of judging any politician by their background: as David Cameron said, it’s where you’re going to that counts.
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