In a surprising turn of events, Robert Jenrick and Kemi Badenoch have advanced to the final round of the Conservative Party leadership race, knocking out James Cleverly, despite his earlier strong performance. The results, announced in Parliament, were unexpected by many, given Cleverly’s recent momentum after a well-received speech and leading the third-round vote.
Cleverly secured 37 votes in the fourth round, trailing behind Badenoch with 42 votes and Jenrick with 41. The final decision on the party’s new leader will now be made by Conservative Party members, with the result set to be announced on 2 November.
In his message on social media, Cleverly expressed gratitude to his supporters, stating, “Sadly it wasn’t to be,” but emphasized the need for the Conservative Party to unite against the current Labour government. Both Badenoch and Jenrick praised Cleverly for his campaign, suggesting potential cabinet positions for him if they win.
Jenrick, who is focusing on issues like the economy, NHS, and immigration, promised “professional, competent leadership” to regain public trust. Meanwhile, Badenoch, who topped the MPs’ poll, called for bold leadership and addressing systemic problems, noting that Labour’s struggles are partly due to working within a broken system.
The leadership race has seen candidates gradually eliminated, with former Home Secretary Priti Patel, Shadow Pensions Secretary Mel Stride, and Shadow Security Minister Tom Tugendhat exiting earlier. The winner of the contest will replace Rishi Sunak as Conservative Party leader after his resignation following the party’s general election defeat earlier this year.
The result has shocked some senior MPs, with concerns raised about potential complacency in Cleverly’s camp and speculation that votes from Tugendhat’s supporters may have shifted to Jenrick and Badenoch.
