Sir Robert Buckland is the first cabinet minister to formally flip his support for the Tory leadership race from Rishi Sunak to Liz Truss.
Sir Robert wrote in the Daily Telegraph that Ms. Truss was “the appropriate person to move the country forward.”
Previously, the Welsh Secretary had supported former chancellor Mr. Sunak, noting his wisdom and expertise.
Mr. Sunak won every vote among Conservative MPs, although Ms. Truss is now predicted to receive the support of party members.
The duo is currently touring the country to participate in a series of hustings – events in which they respond to questions and present their proposals in front of invited party members.
In the coming weeks, postal and online ballots will be cast, and the results will be announced on September 5. On that date, the winner will also succeed Boris Johnson as prime minister as the new leader of the Conservative Party.
In his article, Sir Robert explains that he first supported Mr. Sunak because, during the rounds in which MPs selected the final two candidates, he believed that he “embodied what we required.”
“As the campaign has progressed, and as I have attentively listened to both candidates, I have given considerable thought to the subjects that move me and the actions I would like to see the next prime minister take,” he stated.
“It’s not easy to change your mind on an issue like this, but I’ve decided that Liz Truss is the appropriate person to lead the country forward.”
Sir Robert has referred to himself in the past as a “strong Remainer” and a “One-Nation, moderate Conservative.” Before becoming secretary of state for Wales, he served as secretary of justice and minister of prisons.
He stated that he had shifted his support to Ms. Truss in part because she had promised to address his concerns on the Bill of Rights, a proposed piece of legislation designed to replace the Human Rights Act.
Sir Robert stated that the future prime minister must prioritize growth if the government is to make a “genuine impact” in the lives of its citizens.
We need growth and investment, and we must rediscover our passion for business,” he stated. This, he adds, is the conservative approach to bolstering household finances and generating the necessary tax revenues to sustain public services.
He stated, “[Ms. Truss’s] plans give us the best opportunity to fulfill our full potential with the high-growth, high-productivity economy we require.
Along with present tax levels and the rate of inflation, the status of the British economy has been a significant issue in the leadership race.
Ms. Truss has promised rapid tax cuts, although Mr. Sunak believes they should be postponed until inflation is brought under control. However, Mr. Sunak has pledged to eliminate VAT on energy and reduce income tax throughout the course of the next parliament.
Sir Robert also emphasized the importance of “party unity” regardless of which candidate becomes the next Conservative leader.
“We cannot expect to have the required government strength if our party is divided by the end of summer,” he writes.
