89. David Davis: The danger of Farage and the battle for the soul of the Tory Party
Aug 11, 2024
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David Davis, former Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, dives deep into the complexities of Brexit and its dire implications for the Tory Party's future. He reflects on his political journey, including his shifting views on controversial moral issues like gay marriage and the death penalty. Davis candidly discusses the internal divisions within the Conservative Party and the need for introspection and adaptation to remain relevant. He also touches on the personal impact of political decisions, emphasizing the importance of self-care amidst political chaos.
David Davis reflects on his tumultuous political career, highlighting his resilience amidst the shifting ideologies within the Conservative Party.
He shares insights from his challenging upbringing, emphasizing how personal experiences instilled in him a strong sense of social justice and meritocracy.
Davis advocates for a reassessment of the Conservative Party's policies to address social mobility and foster genuine political leadership.
Deep dives
David Davis: A Political Survivor
David Davis reflects on his long and tumultuous career in British politics, noting the various leaders he has outlasted within the Conservative Party. Despite his many ups and downs, including an unsuccessful bid for leadership against David Cameron, he retains a sense of humor and optimism about his political journey. Davis emphasizes his evolving views on Europe and notes how these have paralleled changes within the Conservative Party itself. His survival in a party characterized by shifting ideologies showcases both his resilience and adaptability in a dynamic political landscape.
Childhood and Early Influences
Davis shares insights from his childhood, highlighting a challenging upbringing marked by the stigma of having a single mother and his grandparents' strong influence. Raised in a prefab home after World War II, he recounts the struggles his family faced during poverty-stricken times in the Northeast of England. His grandfather's radicalism and activism instilled a sense of social justice in him, despite the family's working-class struggles. These early experiences shaped Davis's values and perspectives on wealth, meritocracy, and society.
Career Shifts and the Road to Politics
After a physically demanding youth and a stint in the Territorial Army, Davis entered politics with a mindset shaped by his background. He describes the profound impact of his military experience, particularly on his understanding of international relations and societal structures. Davis explains how his academic pursuits, including an interest in the Soviet Union, led him to reevaluate his beliefs, ultimately aligning more with individual freedom over state control. This intellectual evolutionary journey is reflected in his eventual choice to join the Conservative Party.
Controversial Positions on Death Penalty and Social Issues
Davis discusses positioning himself in favor of the death penalty as a theoretical belief rather than a fundamental stance, asserting his worries about judicial fallibility. He emphasizes that while he supports individual liberties, his views on complex social issues, including gay marriage, can often be misunderstood or oversimplified. The conversation reflects a broader narrative on how societal values evolve, and Davis highlights his attempts to engage in these often-contentious discussions. His conflicting positions underscore the complexity of personal beliefs when weighed against public sentiment and party lines.
Reflections on Leadership and the Future of the Conservative Party
Davis reflects on the current state of the Conservative Party, advocating for a period of introspection and strategic rethinking. He argues that the party must reassess its policies to better address social mobility and housing issues that have led to a decline in meritocracy. Davis reminisces about the profound state of political affairs, suggesting the moment calls for genuine leadership that prioritizes actionable solutions over populism. The conversation underlines his belief in a principled, well-informed approach to governance that addresses the underlying challenges facing the nation.
Does David Davis still think Brexit has been a success? Was he wrong on gay marriage and the death penalty? Is meritocracy in Britain now a thing of the past?
Alastair and Rory are joined by former Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, Davis Davis, to discuss all this and more.
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