Tory leadership race shortened to empower Sunak's successor against Labour
- Senior Conservatives are discussing the possibility of moving the leadership announcement date forward by a week.
- The new leader would need to respond to Labour's significant Budget, which is expected to shape the political landscape.
- Adjusting the timeline is seen as crucial to avoid leaving Rishi Sunak in a weak position just before his departure.
The Conservative Party is considering shortening the leadership contest to allow the new leader to respond to the upcoming Budget on October 30. Currently, the contest is set to conclude on November 2, but senior party members are advocating for an earlier announcement to ensure the new leader can effectively address the Budget, which is expected to be pivotal in shaping the party's response to Labour's proposals. This decision comes amid concerns that Rishi Sunak would be left in a vulnerable position, responding to a significant Budget just days before stepping down. The party conference in Birmingham is set to showcase the remaining candidates: Kemi Badenoch, Robert Jenrick, James Cleverly, and Tom Tugendhat, who will engage in various activities to appeal to party members. The urgency of this situation is underscored by the potential impact of the Budget on the party's future, as it represents a critical opportunity for the opposition to make a significant public statement. The leadership contest's timeline has raised concerns among party insiders, who believe that failing to adjust the schedule could lead to a lack of effective leadership during a crucial moment for the party.