Justine Greening, former Education Secretary for the UK Conservative Party, discusses her journey from a steel worker's daughter to a prominent political figure. She highlights the influence of union strikes on her political views and talks about her transition from finance to politics. The podcast also covers the impact of budget cuts, leveling up, Brexit, and her commitment to social mobility.
Education is crucial for improving one's financial situation and driving for success.
Witnessing the effects of unions and economic instability shaped Greening's political views and desire for change.
Deep dives
Growing up in challenging circumstances
Justin Greening, the former MP for Putney, reflects on her childhood in a working-class family and being the first in her family to go to university. She emphasizes the importance of education as a means to improve one's financial situation and drive for success. Growing up in a community heavily impacted by labor strikes, Greening also discusses how witnessing the effects of unions and economic instability shaped her political views and desire for change.
University experiences and early involvement in politics
Greening shares her experiences as a university student in Southampton and highlights her interest in sports and exploring new environments. While she did not engage in student politics, she delves into her early exposure to political issues and the impact of her father's struggles as a steelworker during a time of economic uncertainty. These experiences and her desire to confront difficult issues eventually led her to join the Conservative Party and embark on her political career.
Entering parliament and the challenges of opposition
Greening recounts her journey from being a local councillor to becoming an MP for Putney. She expresses the challenges faced by the Conservative Party during her early years in opposition, particularly the need to reconnect with voters and address their concerns. With a focus on understanding why people desired a change in government, Greening actively engaged with her constituents and used their feedback to shape her political approach.
Social mobility, cabinet roles, and the need to level up
In her various cabinet roles, including Education Secretary and International Development Secretary, Greening highlights her passion for social mobility and leveling up opportunities for all. She emphasizes the need to tackle inequality and create pathways for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds to succeed. Despite leaving government and parliament, Greening remains dedicated to her mission by launching initiatives such as the Social Mobility Pledge, highlighting that social mobility matters more to her than her own role in cabinet.
Justine Greening was born in Rotherham, the daughter of a steel worker and first in her family to go to university. Campaigning for the Conservatives, she won back a Tory stronghold from Labour in the 2005 general election becoming MP for Putney. She began politics in opposition, but became a Cabinet Secretary in David Cameron’s government, and remained there for Theresa May’s premiership as Education Secretary. Now having left Parliament, Justine is never far from politics – she founded the Social Mobility Pledge and now even runs her own podcast.
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