Ex-UK political aide Steve Hilton pledges 'common sense' overhaul if elected California governor

Ex-UK political aide Steve Hilton pledges 'common sense' overhaul if elected California governor15 minutes agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleJude SheerinWashington DCGetty ImagesSteve Hilton, the former senior adviser to David Cameron, has told the BBC his bid to be California's next governor is a campaign to "save" the state from what he describes as overbearing bureaucracy and economic decline.In his first UK interview since advancing this week to November's election, he said his candidacy was rooted in what he called the state's "rebel spirit".Hilton, who moved to California in 2012, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme the state's tradition of innovation and economic dynamism had been undermined by 16 years of Democratic control.He is running as a Republican in the overwhelmingly liberal state on what he calls a "common sense" platform rather than party ideology.Hilton has presented himself as a political outsider, casting his campaign as a push to restore affordability and opportunity in what he described as "the most incredible place in the world".Ultimately, Hilton said his campaign would hinge less on party identity and more on a broadly framed appeal to pragmatism."It's not ideological," he said. "It is just common sense.""The quickest way we can get more money into people's pockets is for government to take less out," Hilton said, setting out a platform focused on tax cuts, deregulation and reducing what he called "bloat and waste" in state government.Listen: The Trump-endorsed Brit running for California governorHe pledged a tax-free threshold on the first $100,000 (£74,485) of income, sharply lower energy prices and measures to reduce housing costs.Biden cabinet secretary advances in California governor raceHilton had had an unusual political journey, from architect of the UK Conservative Party's "Big Society" agen...