In a dramatic twist to British politics, the Conservative Party finds itself on the brink of a new chapter, poised to unveil a fresh leader just shy of four months after a crushing defeat in the general elections. This past election was nothing short of a historical blow for the Conservatives, resulting in their lowest tally of seats ever. The big reveal of the new leader, likely to be either Kemi Badenoch or Robert Jenrick, is expected shortly after 11:00 GMT. It’s been a rollercoaster ride, to say the least!
The Election Fallout
After the recent general election, the Conservative Party was left reeling, down to a mere 121 MPs. This stunning loss meant the party saw over 240 seats vanish from their roster, including positions held by 12 cabinet ministers. It’s reminiscent of the upheaval witnessed in 1997 when Michael Portillo faced a similar fate, with prominent figures like Penny Mordaunt, Grant Shapps, and Gillian Keegan being ousted from Parliament, effectively halting their aspirations for leadership—at least for now.
Among those who managed to hold on, former Home Secretary Suella Braverman stood out. For a while, she had been viewed as the torchbearer for the right-wing faction of the party. However, rather than throwing her hat in the ring, she decided to support Jenrick, who had previously served under her at the Home Office.
The Unlikely Candidates
One of the more unexpected contenders was Mel Stride, who barely retained his Central Devon seat by a mere 61 votes in the July elections. Despite his relatively low profile among the leadership candidates, Stride had built a reputation as a steady presence, showcasing his competency through various media appearances during the elections. His campaign was aimed at positioning himself as a unifying force capable of restoring trust within the beleaguered party. In the initial ballot among Tory MPs, Stride surprisingly outperformed former Home Secretary Dame Priti Patel. However, his momentum fizzled out quickly, leading to his elimination before the leadership roadshow transitioned from Westminster to Birmingham.
The Merchandising Wars
In a delightful nod to the quirky side of political campaigning, Tom Tugendhat, a former soldier who certainly enjoyed mentioning his military background, dominated the “merch wars” at the party conference in Birmingham. Merchandise is always a fun aspect of political gatherings, where supporters can snag a variety of items to showcase their allegiance. Tugendhat's team rolled out an impressive array of souvenirs, from hats and t-shirts to branded mints and even temporary tattoos—yes, you read that right! Meanwhile, Jenrick's campaign also got in on the fun with their “We Want Bobby J” baseball caps, but Tugendhat’s merchandise clearly took the cake.
Controversies and Missteps
Not one to shy away from controversy, Kemi Badenoch sparked quite the debate during her conference interview when she suggested that maternity pay had “gone too far.” This comment ignited a firestorm, with her opponents jumping at the chance to criticize her. Later, she clarified her statement, insisting that she believed maternity pay didn’t need to change, arguing her initial words had been misrepresented in the context of her remarks on cutting business regulations.
Badenoch’s penchant for provocative comments didn’t stop there; during a fringe meeting at the conference, she joked about civil servants being so incompetent they deserved to be in prison. Rather than backtracking, she embraced her reputation for being outspoken, adding another layer of intrigue to her candidacy.
The Campaign Dynamics
Interestingly, this leadership campaign was marked by a surprising lack of “blue-on-blue” clashes, a term referring to infighting among party members. Bob Blackman, the chairman of the backbench 1922 Committee overseeing the election, even warned candidates against publicly attacking one another, threatening to issue yellow cards for any rule violations. However, this calm was disrupted when Jenrick made a provocative claim that British special forces were "killing rather than capturing terrorists," a statement that sparked outrage among his rivals. Tugendhat, along with James Cleverly, both military veterans themselves, responded with anger, calling Jenrick's accusations a grave misunderstanding of military operations and the legal frameworks governing them.
Surprising Exits and Shifting Alliances
The leadership race saw some unexpected twists, notably James Cleverly’s surprising exit. Many observers believed he delivered the standout speech during the final day of the Birmingham conference, calling for a more relatable Conservatism. He initially surged ahead in the penultimate vote, only to be eliminated the next day in a shocking turnaround—Badenoch led with 42 votes, Jenrick had 41, and Cleverly trailed with 37. The gasps from MPs in the Commons committee room at the announcement reflected the disbelief over this sudden shift.
Theories abound regarding this outcome, with many suggesting the unpredictable nature of Tory MPs—sometimes described as "the most duplicitous" electorate. Yet, the secret ballot obscured the true motivations behind these decisions, leaving everyone to speculate.
The Absence of Traditional Debates
This leadership contest also deviated from tradition by lacking televised debates, a staple of previous elections. Although Badenoch and Jenrick participated in a two-hour special on GB News, they never directly engaged with one another. Instead, they answered questions separately, which diluted the potential for direct confrontation and public discourse. Plans for a BBC Question Time special and an event hosted by The Sun never materialized, leaving a void in terms of public engagement.
Despite Jenrick's more frequent appearances and speeches throughout the campaign, Badenoch was often perceived as the frontrunner. With her position seen as more precarious, the stakes were higher for her as she navigated this challenging landscape.
The Final Countdown
As the clock ticks down to the official announcement of the new leader, the atmosphere is thick with anticipation. Will it be Kemi Badenoch, the bold and brash candidate known for her candid remarks, or Robert Jenrick, the strategic figure who has gained significant traction within the party? Both candidates represent a new direction for the Conservative Party in a post-election world, one that will undoubtedly shape the party's future and its relationship with the electorate.
The stakes have never been higher, and as the party prepares to move forward from one of its most trying periods, the choice of leader will be crucial in determining the Conservative Party's path. The members await with bated breath, eager to see who will lead them out of the shadows of their electoral defeat and into a new era of Conservative politics. It's a thrilling moment in British politics—one that promises to reshape the landscape for the years to come.
Login