Mel Stride has criticised Elon Musk after accusing the billionaire of stoking tensions amid last week’s far-right riots in the UK. The former work and pensions secretary, running to be the Tory party’s leader, was on Times Radio on Wednesday (August 14).The MP for Central Devon said he would not quit Mr Musk’s social media platform X (formerly Twitter) but slated the Tesla CEO’s “absurd” remarks.Mr Stride said Mr Musk’s “comments about us sending people to the Falklands, which was untrue, his comments suggesting that we’re on the brink of a civil war in this country is absurd and deeply, deeply unhelpful”.X (formerly Twitter) owner Elon Musk has come under fire from Mel StridePA ArchiveHe added: “One of the takeaways from the very, very unfortunate incidents that have happened in recent days and weeks is that we do need to look afresh at social media in terms of policing content, in terms of consequence for those platform providers that allow some of these ideas to percolate because they do have real-world consequences, as we saw in our streets.” In a separate interview, he said Reform UK leader Nigel Farage “helped fuel conspiracy theories” that led to the riots. All the Tory leader hopefuls are hard at work on the campaign trail, attempting to rally support before the November nomination.Mr Stride was the fourth politician to enter the race. So who is he? Here’s what you need to know.Mr Stride was born in Ealing, London, on September 30, 1961. He grew up in a working-class family and attended Portsmouth Grammar School. He later attended the University of Oxford, studying philosophy, politics, and economics (PPE) at St Edmund Hall.Mr Stride was president of the Oxford Union at university before setting up a business specialising in trade exhibitions.His formal entry into parliamentary politics came when he was selected as the Conservative Party candidate for the Central Devon constituency. He was elected as the MP for Central Devon in the 2010 general election after winning over 50 per cent of the vote.He’s since climbed through the Tory ranks and emerged as a prominent figure in the party. Mr Stride is married to Michelle and they have three daughters. He has several interests such as being passionate about history and reading historical literature. He is also an avid supporter of environmental conservation and has been involved in various initiatives to protect the natural environment in his constituency.Which jobs has he held in Parliament? Mr Stride has held several significant roles in the UK Parliament, particularly in areas related to finance and treasury. Here are the key positions he has held:Financial Secretary to the Treasury (2017 – 2019): Managed tax policy, customs, duties, and public finances.Leader of the House of Commons and Lord President of the Council (May 2019 – July 2019): Managed Government business and legislative scheduling in the House of Commons.Chair of the Treasury Select Committee (October 2019 – October 2022): Oversaw inquiries into the UK’s economic and financial policies, including taxation and financial services.Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (October 2022 – July 2024): Led the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), overseeing welfare, pensions, and employment services.Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary (July 2024 – present): Serving in Rishi Sunak’s caretaker shadow Cabinet, Stride scrutinises Government policy on work and pensions from the opposition benches.
https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/mel-stride-conservative-tory-leadership-candidate-a4149961.html
