Conservative Leadership Analysis Where They Are on the Big Issues

Conservative leadership analysis For the second time in three years, the Conservative Party is holding a At the start of the contest, Boris Johnson is the clear frontrunner having Now, as the contest moves to the estimated 160,000 party members, who leadership election from which the winner also becomes Prime Minister. As in secured enormous support from his fellow MPs. Foreign Secretary Jeremy are overwhelmingly pro-Brexit, both will need to articulate how they intend 2016 Brexit is both the cause of the contest and the overwhelming issue for Hunt must then fight as the underdog; both challenging a perception of him as to do what Theresa May failed at and take the UK out of the EU in the face the candidates to wrestle with. Theresa May’s resignation followed multiple ‘Continuity May’, and trying to win round the Conservative base that wants a of opposition from all sides. Over the next month both candidates will be Parliamentary defeats for her Withdrawal Agreement, with the Government Brexiteer in charge of the policy they argue the previous Prime Minister never scrutinised in front of Conservative Party members at regional hustings and and Conservative Party split over Brexit, all whilst the clock ticks down to the truly believed in. take part in televised debates. The winner is due to be announced on July 23rd. revised exit date of October 31. Where they are on the big issues Brexit Brexit • Has pledged to ensure the UK leaves the EU by October 31st with or without a deal, and has • Aims to negotiate changes to the backstop, but says he would rather leave without a deal than ruled out a further extension to Article 50. remain in the EU if “there is no prospect of a deal by 31 October”. • Wants to drop the Irish border backstop in favour of alternative arrangements, the “maximum • Believes that the “democratic risk of no Brexit ultimately is higher than the economic risk of no facilitation” approach (new technologies and trusted trader schemes), and has called for the deal” which helped him secure the support of prominent Brexiteer MPs, including the likes of full details to be pushed into the next phase of negotiations. Liam Fox and Penny Mordaunt. Economy Boris Economy • Wants to cut corporation tax from 19 per cent to 12.5 per cent, the same rate as Ireland. Jeremy Johnson • Aims to raise the threshold for the 40p rate of income tax, a cut for those earning more than • Hunt has emphasised his background as an entrepreneur, and wants to make the UK the Hunt £50,000 a year saying it was “sensible” to help middle-earners. “world’s next Silicon Valley”. Energy Environment Energy Social Care • Has supported the Prime Minister’s policy that the • Has pledged to put the environment at the centre of • Backs the 2050 target for zero net carbon emissions, • Has suggested tax breaks for those who modify their UK will commit to a legally binding target of net zero his programme. and has called “sensible tax incentives” to encourage homes for older members of the family, calling for green initiatives. emissions by 2050. • Views will be influenced by his partner, a greater support for three-generation households. • Says he wants to “embrace the opportunity of conservationist who leads campaigns against single green growth”, and make sure that the UK is a global use plastic for Bloomberg. Technology decarbonisation leader. • Has urged caution over Huawei’s involvement in Housing Britain’s 5G network, citing security concerns. • Wants a “home ownership revolution”, with a ‘Right to Housing Devolved Government Own’, and a pledge to build 1.5 million more homes. • Has called for the building of hundreds of thousands • Has pledged to “do for the whole country what we did Transport more homes every year, tackling low rates of owner- in London”, relying heavily on his record as Mayor. • A strong supporter of HS2 and has called for occupation among young people, and cutting stamp Health duty. infrastructure projects to “share prosperity around the Transport country”. • As a former long serving Health Secretary he • He has asked former High Speed 2 chairman Douglas Health • Fully backs Heathrow’s new runway, saying it “sends campaigned for spending increases, though remains notorious for imposing a new contract on junior Oakervee to review the business case for the HS2 to • Has previously pledged a “substantial” increase in NHS a very clear message that this country is open for doctors. see “whether and how” it should proceed. funding once the UK leaves the EU. business”. • On Heathrow, he has refused to commit to his previous outright rejection of expansion, instead saying he still Air Quality Education has “grave concerns”. Air Quality • Stated that he would make improving air quality a • Intends to “negotiate a long-term plan” with teachers, • Has pledged to bring in clean air laws with legally priority of his administration, and has an “open mind” offering more funding in return for guarantees to Education binding targets, and wants to see “pollution free cities” about possibility of new legislation on air quality in his abolish illiteracy within 10 years. • Wants to increase spending on secondary school first Queen’s Speech students to at least £5,000 per pupil. • Has promised to cut student interest rates. MP backers for MP backers for Boris Johnson Jeremy Hunt.

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