Sajid Javid says backing Liz Truss to lead Tories was his ‘biggest political mistake’ | Sajid Javid
Sajid Javid, the former Chancellor and veteran cabinet minister, has publicly labeled his support for Liz Truss during the 2022 Conservative leadership contest as his “biggest mistake in politics.” Speaking at the Hay festival while promoting his memoir, Javid revealed that he no longer maintains a relationship with the former Prime Minister, whose term famously lasted only 49 days following the market turmoil triggered by her government’s mini-budget.
A Shift in Political Perspective
Javid, who served under three Prime Ministers—David Cameron, Theresa May, and Boris Johnson—offered a blunt assessment of the current state of British politics. When questioned about Conservative MPs defecting to the Reform party, he offered a succinct “good riddance.” His comments reflect a broader frustration with what he perceives as a dramatic decline in the calibre of the nation’s political class.
The former MP, who stepped down prior to the 2024 general election, argued that the responsibility for this decline lies with the electorate as much as the politicians. He suggested that voters must look beyond party labels and prioritize the character and motivations of candidates to drive meaningful change in the quality of governance.
Structural Reform and Future Implications
Addressing the professionalization of Parliament, Javid proposed a radical restructuring of the legislature. He advocated for halving the number of MPs while simultaneously doubling their salaries. His rationale is that higher pay is necessary to attract high-achieving professionals—such as doctors, accountants, or head teachers—into public service.
Looking ahead, Javid’s critique of the political class and his call for structural reform could signal a growing trend among former senior officials to advocate for systemic changes to Parliament. His public stance may influence future debates regarding the remuneration of MPs and the criteria voters use when selecting representatives. It remains to be seen whether such proposals gain traction among current policymakers or if they will remain merely the observations of those who have moved into the private sector, such as Javid’s current role as a partner at the investment firm Centricus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Sajid Javid consider his support for Liz Truss a mistake?
Javid identified his endorsement of Truss during the 2022 Conservative leadership contest as his “biggest mistake in politics” following her 49-day premiership and the subsequent economic fallout of her mini-budget.
What is Javid’s opinion on MPs defecting to Reform?
When asked about the wave of Tory MPs leaving for Reform, Javid responded with the phrase, “Good riddance.”
What changes did Javid propose for the UK Parliament?
Javid argued that the quality of politicians could be improved by halving the total number of MPs and doubling their salaries to better attract top-tier professionals from other sectors.
Do you believe that increasing the salary of politicians would lead to a higher calibre of representatives in government?