Caring hearts and practical agendas: Edward Leigh MP on IDS
September 2001
by Edward Leigh MP
published in The Universe

The Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee profiles the Conservative leader

· Iain Duncan Smith's life and career demonstrate that he is a man of principle, used to overcoming adversity
· He will bring his beliefs and experience to the task of restoring the Conservative Party's fortunes

*****

If there is an iron law in Conservative politics, it is that outsiders win leadership contests. Iain Duncan Smith is no exception. Having started the campaign with the longest odds, he emerged to a resounding victory having been voted into power by over 60% of the membership. Known as IDS by his aides or 'Smithy' by The Sun, the new Conservative leader is going to have a tough job over the next few months introducing himself to an anxious public, insecure about global events and future economic prosperity.

Principle and adversity

It is a job that he will do well. If there are two characteristics that Iain has in abundance, it is determination in the face of adversity and principle before expediency. He also has a remarkable sense of decency and integrity. Last week, straight after being announced as leader, instead of celebrating, his first act was to visit the American Embassy to sign the book of condolences.

Iain's whole career has been marked by his inner strength and resolve. Following his father, the distinguished Spitfire pilot, he joined the armed forces and served in Northern Ireland, Germany, Canada and Rhodesia. Fortunately this background served him well as Shadow Defence Secretary in the last Parliament and gave him an expertise in this area rarely matched in the House of Commons. His close relations with the senior members of George Bush's administration should mean that he can make a real contribution to dealing with the aftermath of the terrorist attacks in America.

Life has not always been easy for Iain. In Northern Ireland, he barely escaped from a lynch mob. In 1988 he was made redundant as Marketing Director in a property company and was unemployed for six months. Iain describes this as an experience he will never forget, particularly as his wife had just given birth to their second child at the time.

Iain's whole political outlook is rooted in these types of experiences, whether it be things that that have happened to him and his family, or stories he has heard from his constituents, friends and colleagues. An observant but unshowy Catholic he values human life deeply and is personally opposed to abortion and euthanasia. Active in the hospice movement, he is a trustee of the Haven House hospital in London.

Iain has great plans to transform the Conservative Party. Despite the caricature presented of him by his opponents, he plans to undertake wholesale policy review and party reform.

Restoring credibility

He knows that one of the biggest challenges for the Conservatives is presenting credible policies for the public services. Caring hearts but practical agendas is his core principle. Citing the hospice movement as an example he argues passionately for what he terms as 'welfare society': forging a partnership between government and community and faith based organisations working in disadvantaged communities and in our hospitals and schools. Similarly, he believes that we can aid international development by channeling a large proportion of development through voluntary organisations and faith communities.

Having suffered two historic election defeats, taking on the leadership of the Conservative party requires guts, perseverance and conviction. In choosing Iain Duncan Smith, Conservative members have made an important step in rebuilding our party and showing the electorate that we have a new leader who has the right qualities to rebuild our respect with the electorate.