2019 is a massive year for British politics – and not just because it’s the year I joined Taylor Swift’s squad. As we leave the European Union, we have an opportunity to set out a new economic agenda.

Well thanks very much to the British Business Bank for sponsoring tonight’s event and producing this excellent report. We have got a room full of people here who are brilliant businesspeople.

It’s fantastic to be here in Leeds. I grew up here mainly in the 1990s, and it’s more trendy now than when I was here.

Great to be here.

I have to admit it was quite late in the day that I was invited to present these awards.

I did wonder whether I was first choice… or if Fraser had to ring as many people as the PM did to recruit the new Brexit Secretary.

The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Elizabeth Truss)

It’s great to be here and a privilege to follow such esteemed colleagues. 

Of course, Conference is something I look forward to every year. 

It’s a platform for Conservatives to make the big arguments about our country’s future. 

Market Millennials: Speech by the Chief Secretary to the Treasury at the Cato Institute (As delivered)

Introduction

In the early 18th century, two Englishmen – Trenchard and Gordon – wrote a book called Essays on Liberty, Civil and Religious.

As an economics geek, and a committed free marketer, I’ve always admired the LSE.

Despite its left-wing reputation, it was the academic home of Hayek. But even more than that, it produced my brilliant husband, Hugh O’Leary.