As we prepare to usher out the year, here is a recap of the political events which have delivered a year of extraordinary turbulence and change.
The year started with Boris Johnson as the first of this year's three Prime Ministers. Two months into the year, Russia had invaded Ukraine. The free world responded with sanctions to isolate Russia. Putin was undeterred. Back in February, I wrote of the domestic challenges which this would bring through rising prices. If we didn't feel the impact, we would not be playing our part. For those fleeing the war in Ukraine, this community responded magnificently. Homes and communities were opened up to refugees. Blue and yellow flags adorned our towns and villages in solidarity.
Despite support for the role played in leading a global effort to support Ukraine, Boris Johnson eventually resigned from office in July. The issues arising from lockdown parties in No10 had highlighted a lack of grip and management at the heart of Government. As Chairman of the Transport Select Committee, I had attended the Liaison Committee to take evidence from the Prime Minister on what turned out to be his final day. It was quite clear that he had run out of support from his own MPs. We were looking for competence and clear management to take us through the worsening economic situation. I had done my utmost to remain loyal. He was, after all, the leader who got a thumping majority in 2019. Loyalty to constituency and country led me to the view that this could not continue.
The race to replace Boris Johnson as leader of the Conservative Party, and Prime Minister of the country, was as congested as the Grand National. Eventually, MPs whittled down the candidates to two; Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak. The next stage, which involved members of the Conservative Party, took over a large part of summer. Having supported Rishi Sunak, I was pleased to welcome him to the roof of the De La Warr to meet local party members on a glorious sunny day.
Having worked all summer to get Rishi elected, I was disappointed to see him lose. I felt that his policies were the correct, and necessary, answers to inflationary challenges. Others were more attracted to a menu of tax cuts and higher spending. These policies were unveiled in a mini-budget to the House of Commons during a Friday in September. It was more extensive than most had expected. I remember shaking my head in disbelief. The markets eviscerated the proposals. Along with the Chancellor, these were replaced with the policies which Rishi Sunak had championed over the summer. Despite not having voted for Liz Truss, I was not one of those who moved against her. Others decided the situation was not credible and, after just 49 days as Prime Minister, her resignation followed.
Dramatically, Boris Johnson was lounging on his sun bed and decided that this could be his moment to return. The fact that he had failed to garner the support of the majority of his Ministers and MPs just two months previously did not initially put him off. His supporters in Parliament did not believe that being investigated by the Parliamentary Standards Committee, which could lead to a by election if found guilty, was an obstacle either.
Eventually, Boris realised that he would not command the support needed to unite our country. He stood aside, as did the other contenders. Rishi Sunak became our third Prime Minister of 2022. This brought about change for me as well. I had been happily chairing the Transport Select Committee but the offer to become a Minister of State for Transport, looking after Rail and HS2, felt the right time for a new challenge. It was an opportunity to implement the policies I had been designing, championing and scrutinising during my seven years as an MP. The workload is now greater but I am enjoying it.
As we approach the end of this turbulent year, politics is more managerial and focussed. It may be more dull to journalists and commentators but, like the financial markets, I expect Government to deliver competence and results rather than drama and excitement. I look back at 2022 with a mixture of disappointment and frustration. I do believe that this new Government has the experience and determination to grow our economy, and household incomes, in 2023. I also wish you, your family and friends, a Happy New Year.
