Michael Gove

My Ibiza diary

You wait 11 years for a Tory leadership election and then three come along in quick succession. The first in which I had a vote was in 2005. In August of that year my candidate, David Cameron, was being told to fold his tents. The final choice was a foregone conclusion: it would be a battle between the big beasts, David Davis and Ken Clarke. The Cameroon cohort in parliament at that point was more notable for quality – Boris Johnson, George Osborne, Oliver Letwin, Nick Soames – than for quantity. They may have made a fine first eleven but it was a struggle to find a twelfth man (or woman). Cameron, however, was convinced he had to make his case; to tell the truth, do or die. He was determined the party had to modernise. Ditch its nostalgic bring-backery on grammar schools. Fight for greater social justice. Reform education and welfare. Safeguard and enhance the environment. Tackle a deficit which simply meant loading higher taxes on to the next generation. And cherish the NHS. Autre temps, autre moeurs, as we say in Surrey Heath.

In 2005 the leadership contenders were all white men. This year, of the eight MPs who made it on to the ballot, four were women and four were from ethnic minorities, either immigrants or the children of immigrants. That change in the Conservative parliamentary party – making it more meritocratic, open and inclusive – was due, more than anyone, to David Cameron, George Osborne and Francis Maude. Stewardship – leaving that which you inherit in a better state than you found it – is a core Conservative virtue. They had it.

From the start of this year’s contest I supported Kemi Badenoch. Brave, brilliant and honest, she was the best of all the junior ministers I worked with in departments I led.

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