Tory party election: Who will succeed Rishi Sunak?

Following a significant electoral defeat, the Conservative Party has initiated a leadership election to find a successor to Rishi Sunak. Robert Jenrick has emerged as the frontrunner after the first ballot, securing 28 votes, while Kemi Badenoch, a favorite among bookmakers, garnered 22 votes. Other candidates included James Cleverly with 21 votes, Tom Tugendhat with 17, and Mel Stride with 16. Priti Patel, a former home secretary, was eliminated early in the contest after receiving only 14 votes. The leadership race has seen various candidates positioning themselves to appeal to party members. Jenrick's campaign manager highlighted his energy and policy agenda as key attributes for leading the party back to power. Cleverly, who has held significant government roles, aims to restore public confidence in the party, while Tugendhat represents the One Nation Conservatives, emphasizing his cabinet experience. Badenoch's campaign, despite initial support, faced challenges as key figures shifted their backing to other candidates, diminishing her chances. The dynamics of the race reflect the ongoing struggle within the party to define its identity and direction following the electoral setback. As the election progresses, the candidates will need to address the party's internal divisions and present a united front to regain public trust. The outcome of this leadership contest will be crucial for the Conservative Party's future, as it seeks to recover from recent losses and prepare for the next electoral challenges.