Tories urged to shorten leadership contest before budget deadline

Two candidates in the Tory leadership race, Robert Jenrick and Tom Tugendhat, have urged the Conservative Party to shorten the ongoing leadership contest, which is currently set to conclude on November 2. This timeline poses a challenge as it means the new leader will not be in place to respond to the budget on October 30, a critical moment in parliamentary proceedings. Rishi Sunak, the former prime minister, is expected to respond to the budget before stepping down three days later, raising concerns about the party's leadership during a significant political event. Jenrick, who is leading in support among MPs, emphasized the importance of having a new leader ready to hold the Labour government accountable for its budget decisions. He expressed a desire to be the one making the case against Labour's policies during this crucial time. Tugendhat, who is trailing in the race, echoed Jenrick's sentiments, advocating for a quicker resolution to the leadership contest. In contrast, Kemi Badenoch, another candidate, believes the current timeline is adequate and does not require alteration. This division among candidates highlights the varying strategies and priorities within the party as they navigate a competitive leadership race. As the contest unfolds, the candidates are participating in various events at the Conservative Party conference, but no formal debate is scheduled. The outcome of this leadership race will significantly impact the party's direction and its ability to respond to the Labour government's initiatives.