The Conservatives have a trust problem. New polling shows that the Tory party is a huge turn-off for most people under 44. Around 75% of them said they would not consider voting for us. More and more people see us as the party of the rich. And most people do not believe that Conservatives are “on their side”. This is a wake-up call.

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The party I know and which I joined in 1992, when I was 21, is inspiring, principled and deserves support. We have done a huge amount to further Theresa May’s promise to build a country that works for everyone. A Conservative approach offers the best hope for our future at a time of huge global challenges. And the party is full of talent and experience from all walks of life.

But it is clear that this is not what most people, especially younger people, think. By dint of my professions – doctor and MP – I get a rare perspective on the difference that trust makes. It is impossible to operate in society without it. We can each point to different reasons for this. Our achievements in government are often lost in today’s dumbed-down discourse, while our few failures are amplified.

But ultimately, we must face the fact that this is about something more deep-seated than misperception or disillusionment. And the only thing that will win back trust is real renewal. By this, I do not mean superficial “rebranding”. We have never been, and are not about to become, a party of gurus and gimmicks. We are a party of statesmanship and substance. To achieve such renewal I see five priorities.

First, we need to get the greatest possible number of people involved – joining forces to bring about meaningful positive change and stop our country from becoming another failed socialist experiment.

Second, while other parties look to the past for answers, we must present a vision for when those born today reach their prime.

Our policies and priorities must be based on the soundest evidence

Third, we need to show that Conservative principles make for good government – and the best possible future for our country. Real conservatism is compassionate and responsible. We look after people, especially our most vulnerable, and nurture our country’s resources. We are engaged in the world. We value all that previous generations have fought to provide, preserving what is good and seeking to change what doesn’t work. We look to the future. We prize the talent, innovation and sheer effort that gets us ahead of the curve. We support responsibly operated free markets because they drive progress. Above all, we believe in fairness, tolerance and good stewardship.

Fourth, our policies and priorities must be based on the soundest evidence. We must listen to experienced people. We need to be outward-looking and so much more than just the Brexit party to tackle the big global challenges we face. We need to make sure that we can all be decently housed. We need to work with our public servants to deliver the best public services. And we need fair ways to pay our rising health and welfare costs and to invest for tomorrow. We need to communicate a positive vision for our country and to make sure that our policies provide it and are understood by the public.

Finally, we need leaders who are demonstrably worthy of trust – empathetic, principled, competent and compassionate.

Most of us simply want a good crack at life – the opportunity to get a good education and a job, to earn enough to give ourselves and our families good lives and to give back to our community. These are solid, conservative aspirations. But for many young Britons, that’s exactly what they remain until well into their 30s and 40s. And that’s not good enough.

No political entity can stand still while the world changes around it and expect to survive. We must revitalise conservatism and rejuvenate our party. By doing so we will secure the opportunity to continue building a better future for our country.

Dr Phillip Lee is the Conservative MP for Bracknell