APPEARING on the Veterans in Politics podcast, hosted by Jonny Ball, Shadow Security Minister Tom Tugendhat MP discussed his time serving in the Army, how this shaped him as a leader and his campaign to become Leader of the Conservative Party.

During the podcast, Tugendhat promised to serve something higher than himself, lead based on conservative principles and act on those beliefs to drive forward real and lasting change throughout the country. He said that these are the leadership qualities the nation deserves and were embedded in him whilst serving in the Army for 10 years. Tugendhat also expressed his frustration with those who treat politics as a game. Tugendhat said:

“Politics is really important, right? It’s not a game. It’s not about us, whatever it is, 120 of us or 650 of us here in Westminster… politics changes lives and us as vets… we understand that more than anyone. Quite literally, we were on the front line of British foreign policy in Afghanistan… there’s too many people who think it’s a game… The decisions you make, the words you use, the way you talk, the focus you put, changes people’s lives. And if you think it’s a game, go play a game.”

Tugendhat suggested that for too long politicians have neglected the British public, resulting in the breakdown in trust between politicians and voters. It is clear to him that the public are tired of the division and chaos in Westminster and called for a return to true leadership based on service. He said:

“The British people are not stupid. British people are busy, so they may not follow every single turn that’s going on in Westminster… but it doesn’t mean they don’t notice. It doesn’t mean that they’re stupid or that they have been conned by the latest spin doctor… They know what’s going on. And if they think they’re being played and if there’s games going on, if they think they are being taken for fools – they know. And I’m afraid that’s what people think, and not entirely unreasonably.” 

For a leader to succeed they need a clear mission. Discussing how his military service shaped his leadership style and his belief in having a mission, Tugendhat argued that he will always work towards his goal of ensuring the prosperity and happiness of the British people. He said:

“The role of the leader, of course, is to set the mission… My mission is the prosperity and happiness of British people…The reason I say that my mission is the prosperity of the British people is that… [if] you’re heading towards a better tomorrow, everything else falls in.”

Tugendhat also promised to restore honesty to politics. He argued Britain needs a leader who isn’t afraid to be honest with the British public about the situation the country faces and what we need to deliver to ensure the prosperity of the British people. In doing so, he criticised the Prime Minister for failing to set out an honest and optimistic vision for the country. He said: 

“You have to be honest about the situation you are in. That doesn’t mean you have to be pessimistic and go around like Private Jones – “we’re all doomed”. It’s about making sure that you’re aware of what’s going on around you. So when I hear the current Prime Minister saying it’s all going to get worse. Well, you can be positive and honest. You can say there are real challenges there, but this is how I’m going to see us through it. That can be honesty. You don’t have to say it’s all bleak and pack up and go home.”