Yesterday I signalled that any candidate who wants to lead the Conservative Party must ensure that investment in education is one of their top priorities as Prime Minister, in order to boost social mobility. During a debate in Parliament sponsored by former Education Secretary, Justine Greening MP, I told colleagues that I joined the Conservative Party precisely because we are the Party of opportunity and aspiration, and asked Ms Greening whether she agreed with me that Conservative MPs should be putting the pressure on the leadership candidates to make them aware it is a hot topic and we want every single one of them to put it as a top priority should they become Leader.
Ms Greening agreed with me and urged the candidates to ensure that under their leadership the Government would invest more in people and their potential. She argued that the Treasury has not equated investment in human capital such as skills and people with investment in physical capital like roads and infrastructure.
I also urged outgoing Prime Minister Theresa May to make a strategic and big move on education funding before standing down in order to make sure the future leader of the Conservative Party is obliged to deliver that commitment and increase spending.
The debate comes as the leadership contest enters its first week, with Conservative MPs voting in the first ballot for their candidate on Thursday. As a Vice Chair of the Conservative Party this inhibits me from campaigning for or declaring support for a specific candidate. I am still able to cast a vote, however, and I make this based on the credibility of the candidates' plan to deliver Brexit, the ambition of their post-Brexit agenda and the views of his constituents.
My in this debate follows my commitment in May to sign-up and support Justine Greening’s Social Mobility Pledge, which brings businesses, universities and MPs from all political parties together with the aim of improving social mobility right across the country.
You can view Ms Greening's Social Mobility debate at: https://parliamentlive.tv/event/index/f2ef611d-685d-4859-ae64-56b87f721103?in=09:30:00
