Priti Patel Enters Race for Tory Leadership Amidst Party Uncertainty Over Sunak’s Succession

Sky News has learned that Priti Patel will enter the race for Conservative Party leadership. The timing of the leadership contest remains uncertain as the party deliberates on the process for selecting Rishi Sunak's replacement.

Political correspondent @NifS

Tuesday, July 16, 2024, 23:

According to sources at Sky News, ex-Home Secretary Priti Patel plans to enter the race to succeed Rishi Sunak as the leader of the Conservative Party.

Speculation has been swirling around Westminster for some time that the Conservative MP was positioning herself for a leadership bid should the party face defeat in the general election.

Following Labour's overwhelming win a fortnight earlier, Ms. Patel has resolved to proceed as initially disclosed by the Telegraph.

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Several other contenders are also anticipated to join the race, among them Ms Patel's replacement at the Home Office, Suella Braverman.

Other participants in the race are former business secretary Kemi Badenoch, previous immigration minister Robert Jenrick, and ex-security minister Tom Tugendhat.

However, no one has formally declared their intention to run.

Mr. Sunak will remain in his position until a new leader is appointed, though there is division within his party about whether to expedite the transition or extend the leadership race.

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On Monday, speaking to Sky News, shadow foreign secretary Andrew Mitchell stated that it is highly likely Mr. Sunak's inclination is to resign, although he noted that additional time is required for possible successors to present their arguments.

However, other leading members are concerned that a prolonged competition might create an opening for Labour and Reform UK to take advantage of.

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