Robert Jenrick Proposes Changes to Conservative Candidate Selection Process

Robert Jenrick has indicated his intent to give Conservative Party members greater influence in selecting future Members of Parliament, should he become the party leader. This announcement was made at a fringe event during the Conservative Party Conference.

Jenrick criticized the practice of placing Conservative MPs into safer constituencies ahead of elections, a tactic used during the run-up to the last general election. One notable example was Richard Holden‘s selection for the Basildon and Billericay seat after his original constituency, North West Durham, was abolished. This move faced opposition from local Conservative activists due to the expedited selection process involved.

Addressing the attendees, former minister Jenrick stated, “It was disrespectful to anyone who aspires to be a Conservative candidate and member of Parliament. You have my solemn promise that will never happen if I am lucky enough to lead this party.” He emphasized that party members should be the ones deciding parliamentary candidates, stating, “You should be in the driving seat. You should choose who your parliamentary candidates are.”

Jenrick proposed abolishing the centralized candidates list, which potential Tory parliamentary candidates currently must apply to join. He believes eliminating the list would allow local Conservative associations more autonomy in candidate selection, which he suggested would result in high-caliber parliamentary members.

This stance comes amidst discussions on leadership candidate selection processes, with former party leader Lord Hague suggesting to the BBC‘s Westminster Hour that the party’s leadership should be chosen by MPs rather than the membership due to declining party membership numbers.

Jenrick is one of four candidates competing to succeed Rishi Sunak. The final two candidates will be chosen by MPs, with party members making the ultimate decision on November 2.