Steve Hilton emerges as frontrunner in California gubernatorial primary despite scepticism from former colleagues

Steve Hilton has emerged as the leading candidate in the California gubernatorial primary race, a development that marks a significant shift in the political landscape. The British strategist, formerly the director of strategy for David Cameron's government, is currently tied for the first place in recent polls. His campaign centres on the slogan "Califordable", promising to make the state more affordable for residents through a platform described by associates as disruptive and unorthodox.

Colleagues who worked with Hilton in Westminster have expressed significant scepticism regarding his suitability for the role of governor. Former Liberal Democrat leader Vince Cable described Hilton as an ideologue rather than a doer, suggesting his success relies on a "freak accident" rather than traditional political acumen. One government adviser noted that Hilton was historically frustrated by the necessity of compromise, often viewing the realities of governance as beneath him.

Hilton's approach to political strategy is characterised by a history of dismissing the need for consensus. He is described by associates as a "gadfly" who has historically been frustrated by the way government works in reality, preferring to push for wild ideas to happen instantly. A former cabinet minister who worked with him stated that Hilton was puzzled by his ambitions to become governor, noting that he found the act of governing and the compromises required almost beneath him.

Despite these reservations, some former friends and colleagues argue that Hilton's unorthodox approach could bear fruit in the US. Giles Kenningham, former head of press at No 10, suggested that in an age of volatility and disruption, the electorate needs someone who challenges the status quo and is agile enough to push things through. He argued that Hilton's ability to shake up the system is exactly what people are looking for in a time when industries are being rendered obsolete overnight.

Hilton maintains close ties with Donald Trump, whom he reportedly keeps "on speed-dial", and has correctly predicted Trump's victory in 2016. While some observers view this connection as a move toward hard-core populism, a good friend of Hilton's believes this misunderstands his motivations. They argue he is a disruptor who believes in shaking as much up as possible, a philosophy they claim was central to Cameronism, and that he still refers to himself as an environmentalist who believes tackling the climate crisis is important.

The uncertainty surrounding Hilton's candidacy extends to the translation of his specific policy proposals into actionable governance within the complex US political system. Critics question whether his penchant for disruption will land well with Californians, with one former colleague noting that he loses his temper very quickly. Furthermore, it remains unclear how the "Califordable" platform resonates with the broader California electorate beyond his current polling performance.

Hilton moved to California in 2012 with a long-standing ambition to become governor, a goal his friends claim he has been pursuing since his arrival. While unseating the Democrats for the first time in two decades in one of their safest states seems a long shot for a quirky Briton, his friends warn against underestimating him. Recent polling data indicates he is tied for the lead in the primary, a result that would have seemed implausible before his emergence as a frontrunner.