Amber Phillips
Updated on: October 9, 2024 3:50 pm GMT
James Cleverly Emerges as Strong Contender in Tory Leadership Race
In a surprising twist during the heated Conservative Party leadership contest, James Cleverly has emerged as a favorite among MPs, even as Sir Keir Starmer of the Labour Party continues to dominate polling data. As the second round of voting approaches on Tuesday, Cleverly, the shadow home secretary, aims to consolidate support amid a troubled backdrop following the party’s poor performance in the July general election.
Current Polling Landscape
Polling conducted by Savanta reveals that voters view both Cleverly and Tom Tugendhat as potential leaders who could challenge Starmer effectively, despite trailing significantly. In head-to-head projections against Starmer, Cleverly is currently 24 points behind, while Tugendhat follows closely with a 25-point gap. Other candidates, including Robert Jenrick, Kemi Badenoch, and Mel Stride, fare even worse, trailing by 28, 29, and 32 points, respectively.
Dynamics of the Leadership Contest
- Leading Candidates: Robert Jenrick leads with 28 votes from colleagues, followed by Kemi Badenoch with 22, Cleverly 21, Tugendhat 17, and Stride with 16.
- Eliminated Candidates: Priti Patel was eliminated in last week’s first round, collecting 14 votes.
- Next Steps: With Patel’s votes likely to be redistributed, Stride is expected to face elimination in the upcoming vote.
Within the Conservative camp, there are mixed feelings about the leadership contenders. A source noted that the anti-Jenrick faction remains undecided on a preferred candidate, which complicates the landscape as subtle alliances begin to form.
Political Implications and Support Trends
As Cleverly and Tugendhat garner attention, backing from key MPs could sway the outcome significantly. Recently, Victoria Atkins, a prominent centrist figure among Tory MPs, endorsed Jenrick, emphasizing the need for the party to recover from its disappointing electoral results. “It’s not about left or right, but about who can lead us back to success,” Atkins stated.
Challenges Ahead
Cleverly and Tugendhat are aware that their slight lead over their rivals is overshadowed by Starmer’s strong popularity. Approximately one-third of voters remain undecided, a statistic that signals uncertainty for all candidates as they prepare for the Conservative party conference in Birmingham, where they will further present their platforms.
During an interview, Tugendhat has also expressed support for a tougher approach on asylum policies, potentially withdrawing from the European Convention on Human Rights to reinforce immigration control measures.
Future Prospects for the Conservative Party
The Conservative Party finds itself at a crucial crossroads following July’s election, which resulted in its poorest performance in history. In a climate fraught with discontent, political analysts are questioning whether the leadership contest dominated by former cabinet ministers offers a viable solution.
Public Sentiment and Alternatives
Political commentator Piers Pottinger suggests that none of the current candidates seem to resonate with the electorate. He points out the growing public support for Nigel Farage, suggesting that his policies, which mirror traditional Conservative principles, may attract voters who feel alienated by the party’s recent direction. A survey earlier this year indicated that 19% of respondents favored Farage as a potential leader.
The leadership race holds significant implications for the future of the Conservative Party and its ability to rebuild itself in the aftermath of a devastating electoral defeat. As candidates prepare for the next round of voting, all eyes are on how they will position themselves to regain ground against Starmer and the Labour Party.
An Uncertain Path Forward
As the party navigates this intricate leadership contest, both Cleverly and Tugendhat must capitalize on their perceived strengths while addressing the critical issues that have disenchanted voters. Whether any of the candidates can significantly close the gap with Starmer remains to be seen, but the upcoming days will be pivotal in shaping the party’s trajectory.
Stay tuned for the latest news and updates about the Conservative leadership race!
