James Cleverly Eyes Conservative Leadership: Race for Party Chief Heats Up as Nominations Open

James Cleverly indicates a 'fair possibility' of his candidacy for Conservative Party leadership

The process to nominate candidates for the leadership of the Conservative Party begins on Wednesday, with the announcement of the new leader scheduled for November.

Political journalist @alixculbertson

Tuesday, July 23, 2024, 9:

Ex-home secretary James Cleverly has indicated that there is a "reasonable chance" he might pursue the leadership of the Conservative Party.

The seasoned Tory member heavily suggested he might enter the contest to succeed Rishi Sunak.

Mr. Cleverly, the shadow home secretary, said on Sky News' Breakfast with Kay Burley, "There is a reasonable chance, yes."

When questioned about whether he has the support of 10 Members of Parliament, a necessity for nomination, he responded, "I've received many generous remarks from both past and present colleagues, as I mentioned."

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On Monday, Mel Stride, the Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, indicated to Sky News that there is a "reasonable chance" he might enter the race, and he plans to make his decision "relatively soon."

Further reading: Who are the potential successors to Rishi Sunak as the leader of the Conservatives? The new leader of the Conservative Party will be revealed in November.

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This isn't the first leadership bid for Mr. Cleverly, who previously served as foreign secretary, as he also entered the race to succeed Theresa May in 2019.

The submission period for nominations begins Wednesday evening and ends the following Monday afternoon.

Conservative MPs will subsequently reduce the number of contenders to four. These finalists will present their arguments to the party members during the Conservative conference scheduled for this fall.

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The list of four candidates will be narrowed to two finalists, and the ultimate victor will be selected by party members, with the announcement set for November 2.

Multiple Tory MPs have suggested their intention to run, among them another ex-home secretary, Priti Patel, and Mr. Stride.

Former business secretary Kemi Badenoch, ex-home secretary Suella Braverman, past immigration minister Robert Jenrick, and previous security minister Tom Tugendhat are also anticipated to enter the race.

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