The Chief Secretary to the Treasury has told students at Cambridge’s Conservative Association (CUCA) that he is “not nervous” about the prospect of a Labour landslide.

John Glen MP, who is an alumnus of Fitzwilliam College, spoke about the decline of his party, the rise of Labour, and the conflict in the Middle East, at a CUCA event held at St. John’s College on Thursday (26/10).

His visit comes after last week’s Labour victories in by-elections in Tamworth and Mid-Bedfordshire, where they overturned majorities of over 19,000 and 24,600.

Glen admitted to Varsity that denying Labour’s transformation since Keir Starmer became leader would be “churlish.”

“The other side are beginning sort themselves out,” the MP told students.

However, Mr. Glen stated that the swing to Labour, after a slew of scandals and sleaze in his own Party, “doesn’t make me nervous.”

The Tory MP said he sees government as a “serious business” where “difficult decisions” have to be made, and described scandals like the bitter fallout with former MP Nadine Dorries as a “frustrating” distraction.

Dorries was widely criticised by her constituents after the former MP announced her resignation in June, but only officially stepped down in August.

Other more serious scandals have also arisen from the Conservative party in recent days.

Earlier this week, Peter Bone MP was suspended for six weeks following allegations of bullying and inappropriate behaviour, and Crispin Blunt MP was arrested on suspicion of rape.

John Glen first ran for MP in the 2001 election, which he lost to Labour. He read for an MBA at Fitzwilliam following his election defeat. Glen has been an MP for Salisbury since 2010, from which he has risen to various positions until his ascent to Chief Secretary to the Treasury last October.

Despite favourable polling for Labour, the Wiltshire MP was confident in a “degree of unpredictability” in politics. “That’s why we all love politics,” he added.