Senior Conservative Ruth Davidson has vowed that the Conservatives will “fight the country back” as she launches a new campaign group aimed at winning over millions of centre-right voters. The former Scottish Tory leader said she was “not satisfied” about Reform’s lead in the polls as she unveiled Prosper UK alongside former West Midlands mayor, Sir Andy Street.
It brings together former Tory MPs and business leaders and argues that the Tories need to reconnect with voters who reject populism on both the left and the right. Ms Davidson said, “If you believe in something, you fight for it. We think.” [the UK] Prosper UK launched with six founders, including former cabinet ministers David Gauke and Amber Rudd. It aims to push the party towards the centre-right, saying the country deserves better than a choice between Labour and Nigel Farage at the next election.
Sir Andy and Baroness Davidson argue that only the Conservatives
Sir Andy and Baroness Davidson argue that only the Conservatives can provide that alternative by embracing their pragmatic, centre-right roots. Sir Andy, who served as the first directly elected West Midlands Mayor, said, “I am thrilled to launch Prosper UK, a new movement to bring hope to the millions of voters who have said they want to see real long-term policies to fix our sagging economy and get the country back together.”
He said, “There is clear space to gain support for practical and honest, pro-business politics. I call on everyone who shares our values to sign up as supporters of Prosper UK and help shape the future of the UK.”
Baroness Davidson said, “Prosperity is about much more than money. It’s about opportunity. It’s a country that feels up and where young people know they can go far with their talent and hard work.”
She added, “I’m fed up with Labour and Reform politicians talking about tearing Britain down or threatening to explode politics. Britain has its issues, but many people are working hard to improve their communities. Now is the time to support them.”
Prosper UK will work with think tanks, trade bodies and businesses to develop a pro-enterprise, pro-growth agenda, with insiders saying it intends to move decision-making out of Westminster. Former CBI chairman Rupert Soames supported the initiative, saying, “Prosper UK believes in the power of private enterprise, investment and innovation to deliver prosperity to Britain’s businesses and people.”
Andy Haldane, chief economist at the Bank of England, said, “What the UK economy desperately needs right now is a double dose of optimism and dynamism, driven by reviving sectors and strong businesses.”
Vice President Amber Rudd said, “Businesses, entrepreneurs, and risk-takers in our country need to be at the forefront of politicians’ strategies. This approach will enable us to achieve growth in our communities.
Prosper UK has the direct support of more than 70 high-profile political figures, many of whom are former MPs, and Mr Street says he has met with party leader Kemi Badenoch and had a fruitful conversation about the direction of the Conservatives over the next few years.
