Our Week: Tory leadership WhatsApp group*

Kemi Badenoch launched her campaign, addressing recent criticisms regarding her gender-critical views. She emphasized the need for a Prime Minister who can confront challenges head-on, particularly in the context of cultural debates. James Cleverly expressed confusion over the candidates, highlighting a lack of awareness about Badenoch's campaign. Priti Patel noted an unexpected rise in support for Mel Stride, which added to the confusion among the group. The conversation took a turn when Robert Jenrick suggested that a leader should avoid getting entangled in culture wars, which Badenoch perceived as a direct criticism of her stance. Tom Tugendhat supported this sentiment, indicating that the remarks were pointed and clear. The exchange reflects the competitive and often contentious nature of political campaigns, where candidates must navigate both public perception and internal party dynamics.