Robert Jenrick
There is much we achieved in Government, over the last 14 years, of which we should be proud. We restored the public finances, reformed our schools, got Brexit done, defeated Corbyn, and stood by Ukraine.
But, those of us in Westminster must accept a hard truth: we failed to deliver on the promises we made voters in 2019. We indulged in petty infighting. Above all, we lost sight of our foundational values.
In doing so, we let you, our members, down. And, we also let down the millions of loyal Conservative voters who have supported us - including those who lent us their vote in 2019.
For far too many on the doorstep, that blue rosette had lost its meaning.
Our party is in a precarious position. No law of nature says things will inevitably recover. Our movement is divided and the trust of many voters has gone.
And yet, despite everything, I believe more passionately than ever that our party is our country's best hope.
To rebuild, though, we need to change. Not renew, not just unite, but truly change.
We need to show we've listened to the public's concerns: that we get it.
We need to show that we have the serious answers to the serious challenges facing our country - on the NHS, the economy, and on immigration.
And we need to show that we're united and there will be no more infighting. We must be a broad church, always, but one where our foundational values serve as a common creed.
If chosen to be leader, that's what I'll strive to build.
Yours sincerely,
Robert Jenrick
Conservative Party Leadership Candidate
PS - I have set out 10 principles I believe we should stand for in opposition - read it here. But this must be a collaborative process so please send me your thoughts via my website.