In the wake of their party’s worst election defeat in decades, two former ministers, Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick, have emerged as the final contenders in the race for Conservative Party leadership. Both candidates are promising to reunite the party and steer it back to its core values, setting the stage for a pivotal leadership decision as members across the nation cast their votes.
Penultimate Vote Marks Turning Point
On Wednesday, Conservative lawmakers cast their ballots in the penultimate round of the leadership race, narrowing the field to just two candidates. Former business and trade minister Kemi Badenoch secured 42 votes, placing her in the lead, while former immigration minister Robert Jenrick followed closely with 41 votes. In a surprising turn of events, former foreign minister James Cleverly, who had garnered momentum after a successful speech at the annual Conservative Party conference, was eliminated with 37 votes.
“I’m grateful for the support I’ve received on this campaign,” Cleverly said after the vote. “Sadly, it wasn’t to be.”
This result has set the stage for the final phase of the leadership contest, with nationwide Conservative Party members now tasked with selecting their next leader. The victor will be announced on November 2, with both candidates vowing to rebuild the party following its devastating loss in the July general election.
Conservative Leadership in Crisis
The Conservative Party’s leadership race has been marked by internal divisions and the lingering effects of the in-fighting that some believe contributed to the party’s downfall in July. After nearly 13 years in power, the party suffered a historic defeat to the Labour Party, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, in a landslide victory.
The next leader of the Conservative Party faces the daunting task of revitalizing a party that has been fractured by Brexit and scandal, while presenting a credible alternative to Labour in the lead-up to the next national election, which must take place by mid-2029.
While many political commentators expected the Conservatives to face a long road back to power—potentially up to a decade—recent stumbles by the Labour government have given the Tories renewed hope. Prime Minister Starmer’s administration has faced mounting criticism over welfare cuts and controversial donations, leading some to believe that the Conservatives could return to power within five years.
Badenoch vs. Jenrick: A Battle of Visions
Kemi Badenoch, who has been a rising star within the Conservative Party, is seen as the frontrunner. Her strong performance among Conservative lawmakers and her popularity with party members nationwide make her a formidable contender. Badenoch has framed her campaign around returning to conservative principles and offering a clear, values-driven alternative to the Labour government.
Robert Jenrick, on the other hand, has positioned himself as a tough voice on immigration and national sovereignty. Jenrick has been vocal about his desire to take the UK out of the European Convention on Human Rights, a move he argues is necessary to fully control the country’s borders. Badenoch, while sharing concerns over immigration, has taken a more measured approach, arguing that the issue can be tackled without withdrawing from international agreements.
Despite their differences on immigration, both candidates agree on the need to reunite the party, which has been rocked by years of turmoil. Scandals and leadership challenges during the Conservative Party’s last eight years in government left deep divisions that the new leader will need to address in order to steer the party back to electoral success.
‘Dark Arts’ and Campaign Drama
Cleverly’s unexpected elimination has sparked speculation within party ranks about behind-the-scenes tactics. One Conservative lawmaker suggested that Cleverly’s exit was the result of so-called “dark arts,” with allegations that one of the final two candidates encouraged supporters to back Cleverly temporarily in order to weaken the other contender.
Regardless of the speculation, the stage is now set for a showdown between Badenoch and Jenrick, two right-wing politicians with sharply contrasting visions for the future of the Conservative Party. Both have pledged to put aside internal divisions and present a united front as the party looks to recover from its worst electoral defeat in recent history.
Party Members to Decide Next Leader
With the contest now in the hands of the Conservative Party’s membership, attention turns to the nationwide vote that will determine the party’s next leader. According to a poll by Conservative Home, Badenoch is currently the most popular candidate among the membership, but Jenrick remains a strong contender, particularly among those who prioritize a more hardline approach to immigration.
Whoever wins the leadership race will face the immediate challenge of transforming the party’s fortunes and preparing for the next general election. The Conservative Party, once a dominant force in British politics, is now at a crossroads, and the outcome of this leadership contest will shape its direction for years to come.
As the November 2 announcement approaches, the question remains: Will the Conservative Party rally around its new leader and rebuild, or will it continue to be haunted by the divisions that led to its defeat?
