Town’s MP featured in list of working-class Tories
Hemel Hempstead MP Mike Penning has been featured in a Conservative party document on politicians from working-class backgrounds.
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.
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.”