Sajid Javid, son of bus driver, bids to be UK PM | World News - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Sajid Javid, son of bus driver, bids to be UK PM

Hindustan Times, London | By
May 27, 2019 09:10 PM IST

Son of a Pakistan-origin bus driver, Javid, 49, is the home secretary in the Theresa May government. He previously held the role of Culture secretary, and later as Business secretary interacted with leading Indian companies, including the Tata group

Sajid Javid, who entered politics in 2009 after giving up a lucrative career in banking and rose fast in the Conservative party, on Monday announced his candidature in the election for the next party leader and prime minister, joining eight others in the race.

Britain's Home Secretary Sajid Javid speaks at the Scottish Conservative conference in Aberdeen, Scotland(REUTERS)
Britain's Home Secretary Sajid Javid speaks at the Scottish Conservative conference in Aberdeen, Scotland(REUTERS)

Son of a Pakistan-origin bus driver, Javid, 49, is the home secretary in the Theresa May government. He previously held the role of Culture secretary, and later as Business secretary interacted with leading Indian companies, including the Tata group.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Announcing his bid on twitter, Javid referred to the party’s poor performance in the European elections and said they made it “all too clear” that the government “must get on and deliver Brexit to ensure there is renewed trust in our democracy”.

He said: “We must bridge divides to heal communities, reminding us of our shared values as a United Kingdom, and we must strengthen our society and economy so that everyone can benefit from the opportunities which a prosperous nation provides.”

Former foreign secretary Boris Johnson remains the favourite to win the election. Besides Javid and Johnson, the other seven contenders so far, all current or former cabinet ministers, are: Andrea Leadsom, Esther McVey, Michael Gove, Dominic Raab, Rory Stewart, Jeremy Hunt and Matt Hancock.

Potential contenders have until June 10 to formally declare their intention to contest the leadership election, triggered by May’s announcement that she will leave Downing Street on June 7, after what the news media said she was ‘broken by Brexit’.

In the first round of the leadership contest, 313 Conservative MPs will vote on the candidates, with those with the least being eliminated until two with the most votes remain. The two will then face an election with over 1.25 lakh members of the party voting.

The process is expected to spill over into July, when the new prime minister will take over.

Unlock a world of Benefits with HT! From insightful newsletters to real-time news alerts and a personalized news feed – it's all here, just a click away! - Login Now!

Get Latest World News along with Latest News from India at Hindustan Times.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
  • ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    author-default-90x90

    Prasun Sonwalkar was Editor (UK & Europe), Hindustan Times. During more than three decades, he held senior positions on the Desk, besides reporting from India’s north-east and other states, including a decade covering politics from New Delhi. He has been reporting from UK and Europe since 1999.

SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On