Town’s MP featured in list of working-class Tories
The Party of Opportunity booklet was compiled by Southend West MP David Amess, who explained the aim of the compilation was to combat a ‘false impression’ about the backgrounds of Tories in Parliament. Mr Penning, one of 29 politicians featured in the leaflet, is quoted as saying: “I’m very proud of my working class roots. From a very young age I’ve always wanted to get on in life – I’ve always had a dream to strive for.”
He went on to describe struggling with dyslexia at school and his various careers within the army, fire service and journalism, before embarking on politics.
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He said: “I still have dreams and ambitions about what I want to do in life, but today they are more about helping others to ensure they have the same chances that I
have had.”