Tonight, senior Tories have expressed their approval of the decision to extend the leadership contest, believing it will give the party a better shot at a successful comeback in the next election.
The 1922 Committee has put forward a ‘compromise’ plan that will see a new leader announced on November 2.
This decision comes after some members pushed for a new leader to be in place by the party conference starting on September 29, while others argued for a longer process extending through to Christmas.
Their goal is to ensure the selection of the right candidate who can lead the party effectively into the next election.
Nominations for the contest will open in two days.
Candidates must secure support from at least ten MPs to advance to the first round of voting.
The final four contenders will then present their case at the party conference in Birmingham before the decision is put to a postal vote among members.
Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will remain the acting party leader until November 2, when the new leader will be officially announced.
Reactions from Party Veterans
Former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith expressed his relief that the process will not be rushed.
He stressed the importance of using this time to reflect on the recent election results and to make a thoughtful decision.
“A September timetable would have been a complete and total disaster,” he said, noting that a thorough debate and reflection are crucial.
Veteran MP Sir David Davis echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the leadership contest should focus on finding a candidate who can effectively challenge Labour.
“We need someone who excels at being an opposition. That’s the most critical skill for us right now,” he said.
Sunak’s View on the Extended Timeline
Rishi Sunak welcomed the extended timetable, describing it as a way to ensure a “smooth and orderly transition” and allowing the party to maintain its role as the official opposition in a professional manner.
He believes this approach is in the best interest of both the Conservative Party and the country.
Mixed Reactions
However, not everyone in the party is pleased with the extension.
Some critics argue that a shorter contest would have prevented a potential leadership vacuum that Labour and Reform UK could exploit.
One senior Tory described the decision as “foolish,” suggesting it could hand the next election to Keir Starmer on a silver platter.
Polling Insights
Recent polls show that Robert Jenrick is the current frontrunner among party members.
Jenrick, who resigned from Sunak’s Cabinet over immigration policies, leads the pack ahead of Kemi Badenoch, Tom Tugendhat, Dame Priti Patel, and Suella Braverman.
According to a survey by Techne, 55 percent of Tory members have listed Jenrick as one of their top choices.
Additionally, a separate poll by More In Common indicates that 67 percent of Conservative members support the longer leadership contest.
The executive of the 1922 Committee crafted this leadership timetable in consultation with the party’s board, reflecting a strategic choice aimed at positioning the party for future success.
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