Mel Stride Joins Conservative Leadership Race

Mel Stride has officially announced his candidacy for the leadership of the Conservative Party, becoming the fourth MP to enter the contest. The former work and pensions secretary, who currently serves in a shadow capacity, had previously hinted at his intentions during an interview with Sky News, stating there was a "reasonable chance" he would run. His entry adds to a growing list of contenders vying to succeed Rishi Sunak. Stride joins a competitive field that includes ex-home secretary James Cleverly, former security minister Tom Tugendhat, and the last immigration minister Robert Jenrick. Each candidate must secure the backing of at least ten fellow MPs to submit their nomination papers and officially enter the race. The leadership contest comes at a critical time for the Conservative Party as it seeks to regain momentum. In addition to the four confirmed candidates, three other Tory MPs have also expressed interest by picking up nomination papers. Priti Patel, Kemi Badenoch, and Suella Braverman are among those considering a bid for the leadership, indicating a robust and diverse field of potential successors to Sunak. As the race unfolds, the candidates will be keen to outline their visions for the party and the country, with the outcome likely to shape the future direction of the Conservatives in the coming years. The leadership election is expected to attract significant attention from party members and the public alike.