Rising stars of the Conservative Party from the class of 2019

 It has now been more than a year since Boris Johnson secured a commanding majority in the House of Commons. Few at that time could have imagined the enormous scale of the challenges that have faced the Government since then. However, with the end of the COVID-19 pandemic in sight, 2021 will be a defining year for the Government and changes in personnel are expected. Here are some of the rising stars from the class of 2019 that Instinctif Partners Public Policy feel could play a big part in shaping the Government’s agenda:

Danny Kruger

A former special advisor to David Cameron and one of the architects of the big society vision, he also set up a charity to support ex-offenders. He also happens to be the son of Prue Leith (one of the judges of the Great British Bake-off).

Saqib Bhatti

MP for Meriden, a charted accountant and the youngest-ever president of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce. With the Midlands being key electorally for the Government, that political geography matters.

Laura Trott

A special adviser throughout the Cameron years, she is also an influential voice on the China Research Group of Tory MPs.

Joy Morrissey

A former London Mayoral candidate who previously worked for the Centre for Social Justice. Popular among the Conservative Women’s Organisation and Women 2 Win, Morrissey could be key to helping Boris Johnson address his perceived problem with female voters.

Gagan Mohindra

Previously worked in financial services before going on to run his family’s business. A well-known figure in Essex politics, having served on Epping Forest Council and Essex County Council.

Claire Coutinho

A former special advisor in the Treasury. As an MP, she serves as Parliamentary Private Secretary to Treasury Ministers and is on the advisory board of the influential centre-right think tank Onward.

Theo Clarke

A one nation Tory with a background in international aid and development which could bring some much-needed expertise to the Government benches at a time when foreign aid spending is being reviewed and the 0.7% commitment temporarily cut in the wake of the pandemic

Paul Holmes

A former Special Advisor, Holmes also has private sector experience from the housing sector – a bonus given housing delivery and planning reform are a challenge for Conservative Governments.

Anthony Browne

Ambitious, and not necessarily patient, Browne brings impressive connections in the City and combines a strong understanding of fiscal and economic policy with good communication skills honed as a journalist. A close ally of Boris Johnson when he was Mayor of London.

Dehenna Davison

Young and Twitter savvy, Davison can be somewhat of a marmite character; however, there is no doubting that her backstory and her confident, but relaxed, communication style make her an asset for the Government.

Alicia Kearns

Has grown her profile during the pandemic because of her advocacy on behalf of pregnant women and their families, but it’s her experience before entering Parliament with the Foreign office, MoD and in the private sector, working in counter terrorism and to counter violent extremism, that makes her one to watch.

Matt Vickers

As a Councillor in Stockton-on-Tees, Vickers undoubtedly knows how to win votes in the North East. Previously served as Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s constituency agent. Popular among his peers, Vickers is viewed as someone who can bring a Northern perspective to some Government decision making.