Robert Jenrick breaks through as Tory leadership frontrunner as race timeline decided
The Conservative Party is haemorrhaging money because donors are holding back funds until new leader is confirmed, reports suggest.
Robert Jenrick is a frontrunner for the Tory leadership among party members, a poll of activists has revealed.
It comes as a new leader of the Conservative Party will be announced on November 2, the Party confirmed.
The Tory leadership race to replace former prime minister Rishi Sunak will last for nearly four months.
Mr Jenrick, a former immigration minister who quit Rishi Sunak’s Cabinet in protest at his failure to take a tougher approach to illegal immigration, emerged ahead of Kemi Badenoch, Tom Tugendhat, Dame Priti Patel and Suella Braverman.
The 1922 Committee of backbench MPs discussed a contest where the final four candidates will go through a "beauty parade" at the Tory party conference in September.
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They will then be whittled down to the final two on October 10, before ballots are sent out to members across the country to cast their vote online.
As many as eight candidates are expected to come forward, depending on nomination threshold.
The Tories have confirmed that Rishi Sunak will remain acting leader of the party until a successor is appointed on November 2.
Kemi Badenoch, Suella Braverman, James Cleverly, Priti Patel, Tom Tugendhat and Robert Jenrick are among the senior Tories expected to put their hats in the ring for the job.
Mr Sunak said: “It’s in the national interest for us to have a smooth and orderly transition to a new Leader of the Opposition so I will stay in post until November 2nd, and the result of our leadership election.
“This will allow our party to fulfil its role as the official opposition professionally and effectively. I believe this is what is best for the Conservative Party and, most importantly, our country.
“It would be inappropriate for me to make any comment about the leadership campaign or candidates. I am confident that this timetable decided by the Party Board and the 1922 Committee will allow for a thoughtful, professional and respectful contest.”
Mel Stride said he is considering entering the race amid ongoing wrangling over the rules of the contest.
Asked whether he would stand, the shadow work and pensions secretary told Times Radio: “It’s something I’m considering.
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“A number of colleagues have approached me and suggested that I might do that.
“We don’t yet of course know what the actual rules of the process will be – and I’ll want to wait to see that before I take a final decision – but it’s certainly a possibility.”
There have been divisions in the party over how long the contest should take.
Bob Blackman MP, Chairman of the 1922 Committee, said: “Following discussions between the Party Board and the 1922 executive, the timetable for the election of a new leader of the Conservative Party has been agreed.
“Over August, candidates will be able to engage with the voluntary party before in September, the parliamentary party selects 4 candidates to go to conference. The parliamentary party will then pick the 2 candidates who go forward to the members ballot with the new leader elected on the 2nd of November.
“I am determined that our party will have a respectful and thorough leadership debate. I believe that this timetable will allow for this.
“While there are significant debates to be had about our party’s future, we must remember that the country—and our members—want to see us engaged in proper debate not personal attacks.
“I am confident that this process will allow for this. I am delighted that Rishi Sunak will remain in post until the 2nd of November and the election of a new leader. This will allow for a smooth and orderly process.”
