A 7ft 2in student who became the unlikely star of this year’sConservative PartyConference 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 toManchesterthis 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 theirTikToks.
That was particularly true today, when he took a seat near the front forKemi Badenoch’sclosing 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.
Metrocaught up with the Scottish 22-year-old, who studies atOxfordBrookes, 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 describedtoday’s speechas ‘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 toldMetrohe 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.’
James previously toldRaceday.Rtvthat his height runs in the family, as both of his parents are taller than 6ft 5in.
Earlier this year, he caught the attention of horse racing and rowing fans after towering above attendees at Ascot and Henley.
In another clip for the outlet just a few weeks later, at Cheltenham in October, he was asking how the ‘racing stardom’ felt, after a clip featuring his interview racked up more than four million views.
‘It’s mental,’ he said. ‘I’m absolutely loving it. It’s crazy, I feel like royalty or like an A-list celebrity. It’s good fun.’
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