Jewish politician ready to take Boris Johnson's place
07/12/2022
UK Transport Minister Grant Shapps announced his intention to become leader of the Conservative Party after the resignation of Boris Johnson. This is reported by the English edition of The Jewish Chronicle.
“I solve problems, I have a proven track record of solving them,” the politician wrote on social media, declaring his leadership ambitions. “Our country faces huge challenges, but with the right leader, our best days are yet to come.”
Thus, Shapss became the seventh candidate to announce his intention to run for this position. Shapps, 53, has been in politics for 20 years. He served in two governments of David Cameron, was co-chairman of the Conservative Party from 2012-2015, and took his current post in Johnson's cabinet in 2019.
Shapps previously served as president of the Jewish youth movement BBYO. He is also a member of the Potters Bar and Brookman Park United Synagogue.
The publication calls Shapps "the highest-ranking Jewish politician in the cabinet," a long time one of Johnson's staunchest allies. Shaps was not among the ministers who resigned last week over disagreeing with Johnson's policies, but was among those who personally advised Johnson to step down.
Recall, last Thursday, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that he was stepping down as leader of the Conservative Party, and also leaving the prime minister's chair. Johnson will continue to serve as premier until the party elects a new leader.