So The UK voted to leave the European Union. That was the right decision for Britain. I for one am happy with the result, despite my Expat status. I voted for what I thought was best for my home Country and not for my own selfish reasons. The vote had nothing to do with racism and everything to do with taking back control of our own destiny. The resulting turmoil, that Britain now finds itself in, has lead to the resignation of the Prime Minister, David Cameron. Today after the initial ballot by Tory MP's, we are left with two challengers for the leadership of the party and by default, our next Prime Minister, Theresa May and Andrea Leadsom. I am not a member of The Conservative Party and therefore will have no choice in deciding our new PM, unlike the 150,000 paid up members. This fact is actually a problem for me. I believe that when the new leader is elected, a General Election should be called, so all of us can vote on our country's future direction. We did not vote for either of these two women, who's manifesto's are likely to be very different from David Cameron's.
Having said that, I would like to make it clear, I am not a Labour or Liberal Democrat voter, I am a Conservative, but just want to see the new leaders mandate validated by having a General Election.
Both these women are strong candidates. Although one voted for Brexit and the other to stay in The EU. This should not bare any standing on this particular leadership race. We have voted to leave and that will not change. Conservative members, should vote for whoever has the best leadership qualities and the experience to steer us through the negotiations to leave The EU.
If I had a choice, I would vote for Theresa May. She has the experience and the qualities needed to be a fine leader. I believe she was a great Home Secretary and has cross party respect as a politician. I do believe that Andrea Leadsom is homophobic, which me for rules her out. She does not believe in Gay Marriage and I feel that could put at risk, all the Gay community have achieved over the years. Andrea comes across well on television, and I do believe, the longer the leadership contest goes on, the more support she will gain. As an individual, I think she is very personable and people will warm to her, but she does not have what it takes to be PM. When the Country is in the state it's in, you need a strong, unity leader, who can bring everyone together, from all factions of the party. Leadsom can not do that, Theresa can!
Lastly I have to think about my status as an Expat. I believe Theresa May will protect my interests more than Leadsom. Andrea has already guaranteed the rights of European Nationals living in Britain, without the reassurances British expats living abroad, need.. That is not acceptable. She has not given a second thought for people like myself.
I believe the Conservative grass roots will ultimately vote for Leadsom. When you look at the age and demographic of Tory members, Andrea most fits that label. If she does win, she will need to build bridges with the gay community and guarantee the rights of Expats living abroad. I am not sure she can! Andrea also formed her own charity, now whilst this is commendable, I have very strong views about charities and their ventures, after extremely negative experiences with such groups.
Theresa is strong in every sense of the word. She may have voted for Britain to stay in the EU, but she has Britain's interests at heart and with her skills and knowledge, she will ensure, as a Nation, Britain gets the best deal and future with Europe. In a nutshell, if you are a Conservative party member, vote for Theresa May!
