Sajid Javid, the former chancellor and once a key figure in the Conservative Party, has candidly labelled his support for Liz Truss during her leadership bid as his “biggest mistake in politics.” Speaking at the Hay Festival while promoting his memoir, *The Colour of Home*, Javid didn’t hold back on his views about the party’s recent turmoil and the quality of its current representatives.
Reflecting on Political Choices
During a lively discussion at the festival in Wales, Javid was asked about his relationship with Truss, to which he responded with pointed humour: “No. I said ‘friends’.” His comments came after he was pressed by broadcaster Aasmah Mir about his initial backing of Truss in the Conservative leadership contest, which culminated in her brief premiership that lasted a mere 49 days. This period was marked by economic chaos, largely attributed to her government’s controversial mini-budget.
Javid’s political journey has been turbulent. Following Boris Johnson’s resignation in 2022, he initially launched his own leadership campaign before withdrawing and throwing his weight behind Truss after being eliminated. In hindsight, he clearly harbours regrets about that decision.
Farewell to Defectors
In a separate segment of the discussion, Javid addressed the recent exodus of Conservative MPs to the Reform Party. His response was blunt: “Good riddance.” This sentiment underscores his disillusionment with the current state of the party and its leadership.
He further articulated a broader concern about the decline in the calibre of British politicians over recent years. “Has the calibre of politicians declined in recent years? Yes. I think dramatically,” he asserted, before adding that voters must take responsibility for their choices. “If you want different politicians, you’ve got to vote differently,” he urged, emphasising that the quality of candidates reflects the electorate’s preferences.
Advocating for Political Reform
Javid, who stepped down as an MP before the 2024 elections, is now a partner at Centricus, a private equity firm. He continues to engage in public discourse, advocating for substantial reforms in the political landscape. One of his notable proposals includes increasing MPs’ salaries. “We don’t pay politicians enough to attract people from the top of their game,” he argued, suggesting that a higher salary could entice professionals from various fields to enter politics. His radical idea? To halve the number of MPs while doubling their pay, ensuring the nation garners the best talent available to serve its interests.
Throughout his career, Javid has held several significant cabinet positions under the leadership of David Cameron, Theresa May, and Boris Johnson, including home secretary and chancellor. He returned to government as health secretary under Johnson before resigning amidst a wave of resignations that ultimately led to the former prime minister’s downfall.
Why it Matters
Javid’s reflections at the Hay Festival shine a light on the shifting dynamics within the Conservative Party and the challenges facing British politics today. His candid assessments not only reveal a sense of urgency for reform but also highlight the critical role of public engagement in shaping the future of political representation. As the political landscape evolves, the voices of seasoned politicians like Javid will be pivotal in driving the conversation about accountability, quality, and the very nature of governance in the UK.
