In response to the rage of Tory members over his betrayal of Boris Johnson, Rishi Sunak last night pledged to support the expansion of grammar schools.
He stated at Leeds’ first leadership hustings that he favoured grammar schools because he valued “educational excellence.”
The party faithful questioned Mr. Sunak harshly about his choice to step down as chancellor.
Matthew, a West Yorkshire resident and member of the Conservative Party, claimed to have “stabbed” Mr. Johnson.
He said to Mr. Sunak, “You’re a good salesman and you have many strong attributes, but many people continue to support Boris Johnson, who has delivered steadily through rough waters.
Unfortunately, a lot of people can see that you stabbed him in the back. You were elevated to the position of senior politician by him. Additionally, some individuals do not want to see that in No. 10.”
The choice to step down, according to Mr. Sunak, had been “very difficult,” but “it wasn’t one I took lightly.”
He praised Mr. Johnson for winning the 2019 election and ending the Brexit impasse, but he stated that he was unable to keep him as his chancellor because they could not come to an agreement on how to address the nation’s economic problems.
He claimed that after they couldn’t come to an agreement on what to say in a joint speech on the economy, he was “left with no choice” but to resign.
Although Mr. Sunak stated during the event that he was in favour of the revival of grammar schools, his campaign team stated last night that he was not promising to lift Tony Blair’s 1998 ban on the construction of new grammar schools.
He preferred allowing existing schools to grow instead.
“I believe in educational excellence, and I believe that education is the most effective way we can change people’s lives,” Mr. Sunak said.
However, I also believe there is much we can accomplish using the current school system. Now, what Michael Gove accomplished a number of years ago was revolutionary.
And Michael took on some powerful interests, questioned the status quo, and introduced some measures that have improved the lives of millions of our children.
That, however, is a Conservative approach. It’s about changing the system to get better results, not about throwing more money at the issue.
I would approach schooling in the same way.
Grammar school opponents claim that kids from wealthy families disproportionately enrol in these institutions.
Mr Sunak said he was ‘having the time of my life’ campaigning as he set out his vision to be the next Tory leader.
“I realise the polls show I’m trailing in this race,” the former chancellor continued.
I’m going to fight for each and every vote, as well as for the conservative principles that are the foundation of who I am and what I stand for.
And I’m going to fight tooth and nail to support the claim that we shouldn’t sacrifice the future of our kids and grandchildren for the sake of today’s convenience.
“And I know we can achieve that better Britain if you choose me as your leader, as your next prime minister,” he added.
The Conservative Party will host 11 additional formal public hustings across the nation, where the two candidates are scheduled to participate.