Last night Rishi Sunak pledged to help grammar schools expand, despite the outrage of Tory members at his betrayal against Boris Johnson.
At the Leeds first leadership meeting, he stated that grammars are important to him because he is a believer in education excellence.
Mr Sunak was confronted by hostile questions from his party loyal over his resignation as chancellor. Matthew, a West Yorkshire Conservative Party Member, claimed that he had stabbed Mr Johnson in his back.
He told Mr Sunak, “You are a great salesman, and have strong attributes. But many people continue supporting Boris Johnson who has consistently delivered through treacherous water,”
“Many people see that you have stabbed him in his back. He made you a senior politician. Others don’t like to see him in Number 10.
Sunak stated that his decision to quit was difficult, but not one he took lightly.
Rishi Sunak, Conservative leader hustings Leeds said that he support grammar schools due to his belief in ‘educational excellence.
Matthew, a West Yorkshire Conservative Party member, claimed Rishi Sunak had “stabbed” Boris Johnson in the back.
While he commended Mr Johnson’s efforts to break the Brexit gridlock, and win the 2019 election, he said that if they couldn’t agree on the best way to address the nation’s economic problems, a chancellor could not be retained.
After they couldn’t agree on what to speak in a joint economic speech, he said that he had no other choice but to leave.
Sunak stated that he supports grammar schools being returned, however, the campaign team said last night that they were not promising to reverse the Tony Blair-imposed ban on grammar schools.
Instead, he wanted existing schools to be able to expand.
Sunak stated: “I believe in education excellence. I believe that education is the best way to transform lives.”
“But, I think we could do a lot with our school system. What Michael Gove did many years ago was transformational. Michael Gove took on vested interests and challenged consensus to bring about reforms that have made it possible for millions of children to be better off.
“But, that’s the Conservative way to go. This isn’t about spending more money on the problem. Reforming the system will lead to better outcomes. This is what I would also do in education.
Sunak said that education was the strongest way people can change their lives.
Grammatical schools opponents have claimed that grammar school places are more often taken by well-off children.
As he set out his plan to become the next Tory leader, Mr Sunak stated that he was having a ‘great time’ campaigning.
“I’m aware that the polls show me behind in this race,” said the former chancellor. I will fight for every vote. I will fight for Conservative values which are fundamental to me and my beliefs. To make my life easier, I will fight for the argument against mortgages on our children’s and grandchildren’s futures.
“And, if you choose me to be your leader, and your next prime minister. I believe we can create a better Britain.”
Two more official public hustings organized by the Conservative Party will take place across the country.