On July 11, Grant Shapps wrote to all Conservative MPs to announce his campaigning promises in the contest to become the next Prime Minister.
Included in his ‘campaigning promise’ was ‘new access to the latest campaign resources, techniques, and technology. Shapps said that, if elected, he would establish a ‘Centre of Excellence,’ which would be ‘a sort of Tory campaigning university.’
‘I will give all colleagues significantly improved access to polling, and to a database of statements, facts and achievements to help you win arguments.’
Who backed Shapps’ bid for PM?
Shapps stated that what separated him from other candidates is his ‘two decades as a successful campaigner and organiser.’ He also explained that he would visit every single seat held by a Conservative MP.
‘We have all experienced how much a ministerial visit can galvanise our local associations and volunteers, as well as local media. I will get out of Whitehall to come and campaign for you,’ he said.
Shapps was backed by Trudy Harrison, George Eustice, Robert Courts, Dr James Davies, and Graham Stuart, among others. Paul Bristow described Shapps as a ‘seasoned campaigner and one of the party’s best communicators.’
However, Shapps failed to make it to the first ballot. Following this, he announced his support for former Chancellor Rishi Sunak.
Shapps out of the race and backing Sunak
‘The thing which really concerns me is somebody able to step in on day one and lead this country and that is what Rishi will be able to do. He’s proven throughout the coronavirus and many other battles which have come his way, that he could lead Britain and be a fantastic Prime Minister, that is why I’m supporting Rishi for leader,’ Shapps said in a video uploaded to his Twitter account.
Shapps was appointed Secretary of State for Transport in July 2019, and before that he was Minister of State at Department for International Development from May 2015 until November 2015.
Gov.uk states that the transport secretary is responsible for the policies of the Department for Transport, the cabinet responsibility for the Northern Powerhouse, and oversight of departmental Covid-19 responsibilities.