What's happened
The Conservative Party's leadership contest is under scrutiny as candidates Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick struggle to gain traction. Polls indicate neither candidate can effectively challenge Labour's Keir Starmer, raising concerns about the party's future. Meanwhile, debates around health policies and politicians' public appearances add to the ongoing discourse.
Why it matters
What the papers say
John Crace in The Guardian critiques the Tory leadership contest, noting that neither Kemi Badenoch nor Robert Jenrick has garnered significant support, stating, 'Polling shows that neither candidate is close to beating Keir Starmer.' He emphasizes the party's struggle to adapt to opposition. In contrast, Tim Stanley from The Telegraph discusses Wes Streeting's controversial proposal for free Ozempic shots, questioning its effectiveness and the broader implications for health policy. Meanwhile, Michael Deacon humorously critiques politicians' attendance at pop concerts, suggesting it undermines their credibility. These varying perspectives illustrate the complexities facing the Conservative Party as it navigates leadership challenges and public scrutiny.
How we got here
The Conservative Party is currently in a leadership contest following a series of electoral setbacks. Candidates Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick have emerged, but their appeal is questioned as they lack support from centrist party members. This situation reflects broader issues within the party regarding its direction and electability.
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Sir Keir Rodney Starmer KCB QC MP is a British politician and former lawyer who has served as Leader of the Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition since 2020. He has been Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras since 2015.
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Rishi Sunak is a British politician who has served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Leader of the Conservative Party since 2022.
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Robert Edward Jenrick is a British Conservative Party politician serving as Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government since 2019. He has served as Member of Parliament for Newark since 2014.
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The Conservative Party, officially the Conservative and Unionist Party, and also known colloquially as the Tories, Tory Party, or simply the Conservatives, is a political party in the United Kingdom.
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Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson Hon FRIBA is a British politician, writer, and former journalist serving as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Leader of the Conservative Party since 2019.
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Elizabeth Mary Truss, known as Liz Truss, is a British politician serving as Secretary of State for International Trade and President of the Board of Trade since July 2019 and Minister for Women and Equalities since September 2019.