The first time Johnny Mercer ever voted was in the general election that he won. Twelve years in the Army meant his only involvement in politics prior to 2015, when he was elected in Plymouth, was making a salty joke to Tony Blair who attended his passing-out parade at Sandhurst in 2003.
When he reached Mercer’s place in the line, the former prime minister asked why he joined the Army.
“A family like mine can have a profound effect for 60 years”
Subscribe to The New Statesman today from only £8.99 per month
“I was enduring a sort of mental, religion-based torment”
“Afghanistan just ripped us apart”
“Veteran charities should not be a jobs club for retired generals”
“In civilian life, nobody wants to admit to anything. It’s a silent weakness”
“It’s a brand. It’s a culture. We need to change”
Content from our partners
