Kemi Badenoch faces dirty tricks in Tory leadership race

Kemi Badenoch's supporters are expressing concerns that she is facing a campaign of underhanded tactics aimed at undermining her position in the Tory leadership race. The first round of voting revealed that Badenoch secured just one vote more than her rival, James Cleverly, which has raised suspicions among her backers regarding the integrity of the voting process. This narrow margin has led to speculation about whether certain right-wing MPs may have strategically lent their votes to Cleverly to enhance his standing in the contest. Badenoch, who had previously been considered the frontrunner according to betting odds, is now facing uncertainty about her ability to progress to the final stages of the leadership race. The results of the initial round have prompted questions about the momentum of her campaign, which appears to have stalled. Supporters are worried that the tactics employed against her could significantly hinder her chances of success. The implications of this situation extend beyond Badenoch's immediate campaign, as it reflects broader tensions within the Tory party. The allegations of dirty tricks highlight the competitive nature of the leadership race and the lengths to which some factions may go to secure their preferred candidate's advancement. This internal strife could have lasting effects on party unity and the overall electoral strategy moving forward. As the contest progresses, Badenoch's team will need to address these challenges head-on to regain momentum and reassure her supporters. The outcome of this leadership race will not only determine the future of Badenoch but also shape the direction of the Tory party in the coming years.