In the wake of Labour’s recent election victory, Rishi Sunak announced his decision to step down as the leader of the Conservative Party. This has set the stage for a leadership race to determine who will be the next leader of the opposition, a decision that will be made by Tory MPs and party members.
Let’s take a closer look at the candidates vying for the position:
Kemi Badenoch, a former business and trade secretary, is considered a front-runner among party members. With a background in finance and journalism, Badenoch is known for her right-wing views and anti-woke stance.
James Cleverly, a former foreign and home secretary, has garnered support from moderates despite some past gaffes. Representing Braintree since 2015, Cleverly is a warhammer fan with experience in publishing and business.
Robert Jenrick, who served as immigration minister in Sunak’s cabinet, has shifted towards a harder line on immigration issues. However, this stance may pose a challenge for him among Tory members who lean further to the right.
Dame Priti Patel, the current home secretary, is a socially conservative politician known for her Thatcherite and Eurosceptic views. Despite launching key policies during her tenure, she faced criticism for breaching the ministerial code over bullying incidents.
Mel Stride, a key ally of Sunak, served as work and pensions secretary in the previous government. As a moderate Conservative, Stride has expressed concerns about populist politics and vowed to address issues related to party candidate selection.
Tom Tugendhat, a former security minister and British Army officer, is pitching for the moderate, One Nation Tory vote. Known for his criticism of the government’s handling of the Kabul withdrawal, Tugendhat emphasizes the need to address social unrest.
As Parliament reconvenes from summer recess on September 2, these contenders will be whittled down to a final four. The selection of the next Conservative Party leader will have significant implications for the party’s direction and policies moving forward. Stay tuned for updates on this evolving leadership race.
