Displaying items by tag: leadership contest

In a surprising turn, on 9 October James Cleverly was eliminated from the Conservative Party leadership race, leaving Robert Jenrick and Kemi Badenoch as the final contenders. On 9 October, when Tory MPs voted, Badenoch regained her position as the favourite, receiving 42 votes, while Jenrick followed closely with 41 votes. Cleverly, who had gained momentum after the Conservative Party conference, had led the previous day’s ballot with 39 votes, but only secured 37 votes and so failed to advance. Both Badenoch and Jenrick represent the right wing of the party, and key issues in the final race are expected to include immigration and the UK's membership in the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). Jenrick is for leaving the ECHR, while Badenoch prefers a review, with the possibility of leaving if necessary. The result sets up a contest between two candidates offering distinct visions for the future. The outcome, to be decided by the votes of party members, will be announced on 2 November.

Robert Jenrick and Kemi Badenoch have emerged as the frontrunners in the Conservative Party leadership race following the second round of MP voting. Jenrick led with 33 votes, followed by Badenoch with 28. James Cleverly and Tom Tugendhat were tied in third with 21 votes, while Mel Stride was eliminated. Badenoch's team celebrated her momentum, noting she gained the most new votes. Jenrick’s camp touted his steady support, positioning him as a strong contender for the final two. Despite their trailing positions, Cleverly and Tugendhat remain hopeful, looking to attract Stride’s moderate supporters. Both will aim to boost their profiles at the upcoming party conference in Birmingham. A poll showed Badenoch with 24% support among Tory members, ahead of Tugendhat (16%), Cleverly (14%), and Jenrick (12%). Two more MP ballots in early October will determine the final two candidates, who will then face an online vote by party members, with results announced on 2 November.