Conservative Party Leadership Race Down to Two Candidates

Tom Tugendhat has been eliminated from the Conservative Party leadership race, leaving James Cleverly, Robert Jenrick, and Kemi Badenoch to compete for the top position. The contest has intensified, with MPs set to determine the final two candidates before the party membership votes to select a new leader.

In a surprising shift, James Cleverly emerged as the frontrunner with 39 votes, marking a significant rise from his previous third-place status. Former immigration minister Robert Jenrick secured second place with 31 votes, while Kemi Badenoch came in a close third with 30 votes, an increase of two from the last round. Tugendhat, who received only 20 votes, expressed gratitude to his supporters, stating, “Your energy, your ideas, and your support have shown a vision of what our party could become.”

The race now hinges on who can capture Tugendhat’s supporters, with Cleverly nearly assured of a place in the final two. Both Cleverly and Badenoch benefited from additional backing after their recent speeches and interviews. Cleverly expressed enthusiasm, urging his supporters to continue spreading a “positive Conservative message,” while Badenoch extended her sympathies to Tugendhat and celebrated her growing support.

Jenrick, who faces a tough contest to make it to the final two, emphasized the broad base of his support within the party, stating, “I am incredibly grateful, once again, for the support of colleagues from across our party.” Campaign communications from Badenoch and Jenrick underscore their strategic positioning within the party, as they vie for backing from the party’s right wing.

The leadership contest is set to replace former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who stepped down after a challenging election outcome for the Conservatives. As the leadership race draws nearer to its conclusion, endorsements have played a critical role. Cleverly received notable support from former leadership candidate Stride, while Badenoch was backed by figures such as David Davis and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Notably, former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has refrained from casting a vote or endorsing any candidate.

Throughout the campaign, candidates have outlined varied visions for the Conservative Party’s future. Cleverly has advocated for a “more normal” approach to recapture voters lost to Reform UK. Jenrick has called for policies including a freeze on net migration, while Badenoch has stressed the need to “reprogram” the British state with renewed Conservative principles. All candidates agree on the necessity to redirect the party’s strategy to challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmer effectively in future elections.