Badenoch and Jenrick Enter Final Stage of Tory Leadership Race

Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick have emerged as the final contenders in the Tory leadership race, following the unexpected elimination of James Cleverly. The contest has garnered attention due to the surprise exit of the former frontrunner, Cleverly, a significant development in the political landscape. Sources indicate that Cleverly’s defeat was partly a result of “rogue voting” tactics within the party.

In a dramatic turn of events during the final ballot, audible gasps were reportedly heard among MPs when it was announced that Cleverly, who had previously surged ahead of his competitors in the Conservative party conference, had been ousted. Comments attributed to insiders reveal a sentiment of frustration among Cleverly’s camp, with one supporter lamenting, “It’s absolutely brutal.”

An analysis suggests that the failure of some of Cleverly’s supporters to align their votes effectively contributed to the outcome. A source close to Cleverly stated, “MPs thought they’d second guess and vote against the person they least liked, rather than for the person they actually wanted.” This strategy reportedly backfired, causing a ripple effect that led to Cleverly’s elimination from the race.

The Tory membership will now choose between Badenoch and Jenrick, both representing a shift towards the right in the party’s political stance. This shift comes as the Conservative Party seeks to rebuild after its recent electoral defeat. The choice indicates a preference for a more conservative leadership as perceived by the party’s base.

Additionally, discussions are underway regarding the broader implications of these developments. Notably, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet with Sir Keir Starmer at Downing Street. This meeting is part of Zelenskyy’s efforts to garner support from European nations amidst ongoing tensions with Russia. The visit is expected to emphasize the UK’s commitment to Ukraine’s defense.

Meanwhile, the internal dynamics within the Conservative Party have led to criticisms of campaign management. Tim Montgomerie, a Conservative commentator, reports that the Cleverly campaign is “absolutely livid” with Grant Shapps, the former defense secretary who chaired the campaign. Alleged mishandling of vote counts is seen as a factor contributing to Cleverly’s downfall.

As the leadership contest progresses, both Badenoch and Jenrick are likely to focus on winning over the party’s membership. Ballot papers will soon be distributed, and voting will conclude by early November, at which point Rishi Sunak‘s successor will be announced, potentially altering the political trajectory of the UK.