Insights

James Cleverly, the shadow home secretary and Tory leadership hopeful, has expressed his desire to emulate Ronald Reagan rather than Margaret Thatcher, aiming to reshape the Conservative Party's image. He believes that adopting a more optimistic approach will encourage voters to support the party enthusiastically, rather than reluctantly. Cleverly's comments come in the wake of the party's significant defeat, where they secured only 121 MPs after a tumultuous campaign led by Rishi Sunak. Cleverly, who was part of the 2015 cohort of MPs supporting Brexit, has held various positions, including foreign secretary under Liz Truss and later home secretary in Sunak's cabinet. He emphasizes the need for the party to communicate its values and policies with enthusiasm and positivity, drawing inspiration from Reagan's successful communication style and his ability to motivate voters. The former home secretary's vision contrasts with the negativity associated with recent political campaigns, particularly those of Donald Trump. Cleverly's focus on optimism is a strategic move to revitalize the party's image and attract voters who may have been disillusioned by past performances. As the Conservative Party prepares for future elections, Cleverly's approach may resonate with members seeking a fresh perspective. He is seen as one of the centrist contenders in the leadership race, alongside Tom Tugendhat and Mel Stride, as the party looks to recover from its historical defeat and regain voter confidence.