Thread by @GuyOpperman

Thread + Thoughts on the @Conservatives election from the inside: for a moment put to 1 side my / yr preferred #Leader ..I am energised by #MP colleagues engagement in policies to drive forward this great country: emphatically this leadership is not just about a single issue 1/

Standing takes courage - for #parish, #county, #MP or #leader.
I respect all colleagues who put their names forward including @SamGyimah @kitmalthouse @JamesCleverly who did not make the final list. They do so for the very best of reasons. They / I want to serve Britain 2/

I defy anyone to watch this video of @sajidjavid + not feel proud of our #UK + @Conservatives party - a place where #Aspiration + #SocialMobility are our watchwords + #opportunity is everything. Saj is a friend, although not my preferred choice 3/

My #NorthernPowerhouse neighbour + friend @RoryStewartUK has clearly reached out + is harnessing a fresh approach: many @Conservatives liked his launch last night but the warmth/ease of this video of him talking in #Dari in #Barking impresses me more 4/ -

For me the launch 🚀 of #BritainBeyondBrexit 🇬🇧 +the 40 @Conservatives #MPs making the case for fresh non #Brexit #policies needed for the next #GeneralElection was crucial:
“This book contains a treasure trove of ideas for political renewal” @RuthDavidsonMSP
#beyondbrexit 5/

Of the launches + opening speeches so far #MichaelGove + #RoryStewart definitely stand out but #MattHancock wins on sheer enthusiasm + embracing of #tech (and a goody bag) + #MarkHarper has had the most bizarre left field question on a lion v bear fight! 6/

I have set out why @michaelgove is the man I support given
- his role in turning #Northumberland #schools around
-his sheer intellectual ability and debating / policy delivery skills in @HouseofCommons - an intellectual heft we are going to need
+ 7/

But at the end of this process we are going to have to come together #united as one @Conservatives party, governing for #OneNation + seeing this country through one of its most difficult and turbulent times /Ends