James Cleverly enters race to become next Tory leader
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James Cleverly is set to be the first Conservative Party member to enter the competition to succeed Rishi Sunak in what is expected to be a highly competitive leadership race.
The ex-home secretary claimed he could "bring together the Conservative Party and defeat Starmer's overwhelming victory" as he drastically changed the course of the race by appealing emotionally and showcasing footage from his childhood in south London.
On a social media post, the opposition spokesperson announced his intention to "rebuild trust with the British public" and "reassert our party's image" as a group that "supports economic growth, helps individuals reach their ambitions and fulfill their dreams".
In an article for The Daily Telegraph, he mentioned that during the upcoming parliamentary term, politicians must avoid getting caught up in internal conflicts, self-absorption, and internal power struggles like they did in the past.
When we are against something, we need to stick together and stay focused, determined to make sure the Labour Party keeps their promises.
To stay informed about the competition for the leader of the Conservative Party, check out our live blog located here.
A competition is happening to find a replacement for Mr. Sunak as the Conservative party works to regroup after their heavy loss in the general election.
Ex-previously important government official Suella Braverman is likely to attempt to become the leader of the party with more conservative views. She cautioned that the Conservative Party should not turn into a group of extreme, unimportant, moderate oddballs.
On Tuesday, she took the opportunity to fill in as a guest host on a radio show and talked about how the Conservative agenda was more centrist. She also mentioned that identity politics became too prominent under Mr. Sunak's leadership.
"We must establish ourselves as a strong and trustworthy voice on immigration," she said to LBC listeners.
"We must provide British citizens with reassurance regarding taxes, strong in terms of security and defense, and a true advocate for traditional British principles. We must avoid divisive identity politics and exaggerated social awareness. It is truly disheartening to witness these developments under our leadership."
Ms Braverman avoided answering a question from a caller asking if she plans to become a leader.
During the party's last leadership competition in the middle of 2022, Liz Truss was selected over Mr Sunak by the members. However, Truss stepped down after only 49 days in power due to her controversial tax-cutting proposals causing turmoil in the financial markets and weakening the pound. The party then elected Mr Sunak as her successor.
After the party's crushing loss in the election, where it lost support to both conservative and progressive parties, internal divisions are now apparent. Some members advocate for staying in the middle ground of politics, while others push for a stricter approach towards immigration and crime.
Some Conservative members of parliament have indicated their intention to compete in the upcoming election, like Tom Tugendhat, former minister in charge of immigration, Robert Jenrick, and ex-minister for business Kemi Badenoch, all representing the more conservative faction of the party.
According to the plans proposed by the 1922 Committee of Conservative MPs and the party board, the Conservatives will choose their new leader on 2 November.
Mr. Sunak will continue to lead until a new leader is chosen. He has expressed his support for the plans and believes that a seamless transition is important for the country.
