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A 7ft 2in student who became the unlikely star of this year’s Conservative Party Conference has revealed his plans to become an MP – and maybe even leader.
James McAlpine was among the hundreds of Tory faithful who made the journey to Manchester this week to hear speeches, watch panels and tear up the dancefloor.
But thanks to his considerable height, James found himself attracting extra attention from his fellow attendees and journalists keen to feature him in their TikToks.
That was particularly true today, when he took a seat near the front for Kemi Badenoch’s closing speech and even got to briefly meet the leader afterwards.
He was also spotted at bashes including the Maggie Thatcher 100th Birthday Disco at swish cocktail bar Cloud 23.
Metro caught up with the Scottish 22-year-old, who studies at Oxford Brookes, as he prepared to head back home.
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He told us: ‘It’s been so exciting. It’s a new opportunity and it’s a great start to my first conference.
‘And it’s a great end to it as well. Left it on a good note.’
He described today’s speech as ‘absolutely fantastic’, adding: ‘I’ve never heard a standing ovation go on for that long.
‘She’s got my full support. She’s fantastic, she’s in touch with the young Conservatives, and she’s just a brilliant leader, and I can’t wait to see what she’ll do with the party next.’
Despite studying for a BA in business management, James told Metro he might aim for a future in politics.
He said: ‘Well, I’ve been a member of the Conservatives for the past four years.
‘I want to concentrate on my university degree first, and then I look forward to seeing what happens.
‘I wouldn’t mind being a councillor first and then maybe in the future running as an MP.’
Asked if we might be looking up at a potential future party leader, he said: ‘I would hope so.’
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