Bristol-raised Sajid Javid declares that he can “unite the country” in a campaign video for his push to become Conservative Party leader.
Mr Javid, the home secretary, posted the video on his Twitter page this morning (June 11).
The MP for Bromsgrove said: “These are incredibly challenging times. The country feels very divided. We need leadership. We need someone who can help heal the country and bring the country together.”
Mr Javid outlined his life story in the video, explaining his father moved to the UK from Pakistan in 1961 with £1 in his pocket.
Although born in Rochdale, Mr Javid grew up above a ladies’ clothes shop on Stapleton Road in Easton , living with his parents and four brothers.
“The three things that have helped me get where I am today are public services, hard work and the encouragement and support of my family,” said Mr Javid, who proudly referred to his former career in international business.
That career, he said, involved making multibillion-dollar deals and “helping growing economies”.
The home secretary also used the two-minute video to give reasons why he should be elected as the Tories’ next leader, rather than any of the other nine candidates.
He said: “I want to seize the opportunity to be the next prime minister because I believe in delivering Brexit. I can unite the country. I know better days lie ahead.”
He added that he wants people to take a “fresh look” at the Conservatives.
The video triggered both supportive and critical comments from Twitter users.
Green Party councillor, and former Lord Mayor, Cleo Lake, who represents Cotham, wrote: “Rethink your position in upholding policies that tear families apart and discriminate.
“Stop deporting people to their deaths. Please do more for working people and grassroots communities of all colours and backgrounds.”
She added: “I’m proud to be Bristolian but I can’t yet be proud of you.”
Blogger Annette Hardy, meanwhile, issued greater encouragement. She wrote: “It’s the video many people were saying he [Mr Javid] should make.
“He has a good story to tell about growing up in this country as the child of immigrants and about hard work.”
