FORMER health secretary Sajid Javid is currently one of eleven names vying to become the next leader of the Conservative Party.
He resigned from his previous post last week, writing in a letter to the Prime Minister that the people of Britain “rightly expect integrity” from their government.
He launched his campaign to become prime minister last week and has since launched a video on his social media.
I don’t have a fancy new video. So here’s one I made earlier… pic.twitter.com/Vd1dmj6qaT
— Sajid Javid (@sajidjavid) July 10, 2022
Who is he?
The son of Pakistani migrants, Javid was born in 1969 and spent most of his childhood in Bristol.
He studied economics and politics at the University of Exeter and worked in banking in the USA before returning to the UK.
He was first elected as an MP at the 2010 General Election for Bromsgrove in the West Midlands.
Javid has served a number of positions in the Cabinet both under Theresa May and Boris Johnson including chancellor and most recently health secretary.
What is he pledging?
In terms of policy, Javid has promised to scrap former chancellor Rishi Sunak’s plans to raise corporation tax from 19% to 25% in April, and instead reduce the rate to 15%.
He has previously campaigned for more health and social care spending and committed to a plan for a rise in national insurance contributions to fund this.
Tax cuts are central to his plans for boosting the economy and he has spoke about how uniting the party is key to success.
What's he said about Scotland?
In a recent interview, Javid said it wasn’t possible to rule out a second independence referendum “forever” but that it would not be happening “for at least a decade."
I wouldn’t rule it out forever but not for at least a decade. Sajid Javid on Scotland deciding its own future. pic.twitter.com/gZTDm2vEBU
— Phantom Power (@PhantomPower14) July 10, 2022
It's an issue he spoke about in 2019 as well when he made a post on social media that read: “If I become PM, I won’t allow a second Scottish independence referendum.
“People stated views clearly in 2014, so there should be no second vote.
“Nicola Sturgeon should spend more time improving public services in Scotland, and less time grandstanding.”
Who's backing them?
Several names have committed to supporting Sajid Javid throughout his leadership campaign.
This includes Rachel Maclean, who recently clashed with RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch on Question Time.
There are only two people who the public think would be a good PM. One is a tax-cutter with the broad experience to hit the ground running, and the backstory to relate to people. pic.twitter.com/uNWYkNHrGU
— Rachel Maclean MP (@redditchrachel) July 10, 2022
Other names include the MP for Dudley South Mike Wood and Steve Double who represents St Austell and Newquay.
What's his voting record?
Sajid Javid has previously voted against raising welfare benefits to be in line with price increases.
In 2013, he voted to set the rate of increase of certain benefits, payments and tax credits at 1% rather than in line with prices at 2.2% for 2014 and 2015.
In June 2020, he voted to remove rights for unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, spouses, vulnerable adults and dependant adults to join a family member who is legally present in the United Kingdom.
During the EU Referendum campaign, Javid supported the Remain camp although seemed to do so with little enthusiasm.
On the eve of the polls, he told voters: "‘With a heavy heart and no enthusiasm, I shall be voting for the UK to remain a member of the European Union."
