What's happened
Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick are vying to replace Rishi Sunak as leader of the Conservative Party. With online voting underway until October 31, both candidates are presenting contrasting visions, particularly on immigration and the European Court of Human Rights. The winner will be announced on November 2.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to BBC News, the leadership race is nearing its conclusion with online voting currently taking place. Jenrick has emphasized the importance of addressing major issues like immigration, while Badenoch has criticized his approach as offering 'easy answers.' The Mirror highlights Badenoch's strong performance in a recent debate, where she effectively addressed a range of topics beyond immigration, contrasting with Jenrick's narrower focus. The Guardian notes the candidates' differing strategies, with Badenoch advocating for a broader party vision and Jenrick insisting on the necessity of clear policies to regain public trust. This divergence illustrates the ongoing struggle within the Conservative Party to define its identity post-election defeat.
How we got here
The leadership contest follows Rishi Sunak's historic defeat in the July general election. Since then, the Conservative Party has been seeking a new leader to restore its credibility and address key issues, including immigration and party unity.
Common question
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Who are the main candidates in the Conservative leadership race?
As the Conservative Party seeks a new leader following Rishi Sunak's defeat, Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick are the main contenders. With online voting currently underway until October 31, understanding their differing views on key issues like immigration is crucial for party members and the public alike. Here are some common questions about the leadership race and its implications.
More on these topics
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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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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 European Convention on Human Rights is an international convention to protect human rights and political freedoms in Europe. Drafted in 1950 by the then newly formed Council of Europe, the convention entered into force on 3 September 1953.
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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.