Earlier this week, Conservative MPs embarked on the journey to appoint the next leader of the party after former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s resignation post the general election defeat in July. The final winner is set to be announced on 2nd November following a vote by Conservative Party members.
Five former cabinet ministers are vying for the position, with names like James Cleverly, Kemi Badenoch, Robert Jenrick, Tom Tugenhadt, and Mel Stride in the running.
Robert Jenrick, currently a frontrunner, has made headlines with his hardline stance on various issues. Kemi Badenoch, the only woman in the race, is challenging Jenrick and has been leading the polls with her ‘Renewal 2030’ campaign.
James Cleverly, a former Foreign Secretary, boasts senior cabinet experience and is running on traditional Conservative policies. Tom Tugendhat, a former military officer with an interest in the Middle East, is hoping to make the Conservatives a serious force again.
Lastly, Mel Stride, a surprise contender, is viewed as a unity candidate with a similar agenda to Sunak’s policies.
With the final decision in the hands of the Conservative Party members, the race is heating up to determine who will lead the opposition against Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour Party over the next five years.
