Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Davis goes back to his roots to prove street credentials

Andy McSmith
Tuesday 25 October 2005 00:00 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

He will visit the Base Community Centre in Tooting, used by pupils from Mr Davis's old school, then Bec Grammar School.

His choice of location will bring attention to the contrast between his beginnings, as the child of a single mother living on a council estate, and those of his rival, David Cameron. Mr Cameron is an old Etonian, the grandson of a baronet, and a descendant of the Talbots, one of the most powerful families in England under the Plantagenet kings.

In a speech last night to the Conservative 1900 group, Mr Davis put himself forward as the only candidate able to win back the suburbs for the Tories. He quoted a phrase used by President George Bush, "good for me, good for my neighbour" to describe the tax cuts, family values, tough law and order policies on which he is campaigning.

Having started as the clear front runner, Mr Davis's campaign has faltered and many believe hs is too far behind to win. But Mr Davis offered an olive branch to his rival, praising Mr Cameron as someone who has "given a lot to the Conservative Party", promising a "very, very big place in any shadow Cabinet I lead".

Mr Cameron visited Newbury, one of the seats the Tories recaptured from the Liberal Democrats last May. He said the way to win over Liberal Democrat voters was to present a "modern, compassionate alternative".

The members' ballot to decide the leadership closes on 6 December.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in