Priti Patel Joins Tory Leadership Race, Advocates Unity Over Division Amidst Party Turmoil

Priti Patel has joined the race for Conservative leadership, emphasizing the need for unity over personal conflicts. The prominent Tory MP attributed the party's unprecedented loss on July 4 not to its dedicated members, but to the politicians who caused divisions and let the team down.

News correspondent @nickolester

Sunday, July 28, 2024, at 6

Ex-home secretary Dame Priti Patel has stated that "it is time to prioritize unity over personal conflicts" as she announced her candidacy for the leadership of the Conservative Party.

In the race to succeed Rishi Sunak, the prominent Conservative MP attributed their unprecedented loss on July 4 not to the dedicated party members, but to the politicians who caused divisions and let the team down.

Dame Priti has become the fifth person and the first female to officially enter the contest for the leadership position, following announcements by Mel Stride, Tom Tugendhat, James Cleverly, and Robert Jenrick, who have already thrown their hats into the ring.

In her statement on X, Dame Priti announced: "I am entering the race to become the next leader of the Conservative Party.

"I am capable of guiding us as the opposition, bringing our party together, and preparing us for the upcoming election through unity, experience, and resilience."

In the aftermath of the chaos and intense internal conflicts that plagued the Conservative Party during their time in power, she emphasized her qualifications and toughness as key assets to bring unity to the party.

Dame Priti emphasized that while the Conservatives need to analyze their significant electoral defeat that left them with only 121 MPs in Westminster, they must avoid becoming embroiled in a "soap opera of finger-pointing and self-indulgence" that could divert them from focusing on victory in the upcoming election.

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Conservative Party leadership contender Tom Tugendhat has stated his willingness to withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).

She emphasized that core conservative principles like safeguarding liberty, encouraging business, ensuring public safety, and expanding opportunities continue to resonate widely with voters.

It was the "skilled, mature, and knowledgeable politicians" who implemented these measures that would aid the Conservatives in returning to power.

In an effort to set herself apart from competitors, Dame Priti announced that under her leadership, party members would benefit from their loyalty through increased influence over policy decisions and the party's overall trajectory. This includes participating in the selection of the Tory chairman, a role presently designated by the leader.

Dame Priti stated, "It was not our valiant members who fell short, but rather the politicians' diversion from serving the public."

It's time to transform our conservative principles into robust policies that will drive beneficial transformations for citizens nationwide.

"We must prioritize harmony over personal grudges, our nation's well-being over partisan interests, and effective action over individual gain."

"Throughout my over three decades of dedication to our party, serving in both roles of governance and opposition, I have consistently prepared us. I am capable of getting us in prime condition to secure a victory in the upcoming general election."

Discover more: Tom Tugendhat enters the contest to succeed Sunak. James Cleverly initiates his campaign for Conservative leadership. Robert Jenrick announces his candidacy. Mel Stride is the fourth Conservative MP to join the race.

Shadow Communities Secretary Kemi Badenoch, currently leading among bookmakers to replace Mr. Sunak, along with former Home Secretary Suella Braverman, are anticipated to announce their candidacies prior to the nomination deadline at 2:30 PM on Monday.

Candidates must secure the support of a proposer, a seconder, and an additional eight supporters to qualify for the race

Stay informed with the most recent updates from the UK and across the globe by tuning into Sky News.

The party members in parliament will reduce the number of candidates to four. These finalists will present their arguments at the Conservative Party conference, scheduled from September 29 to October 2.

The last two candidates, selected by the parliamentary group, will be put forward for a vote among party members through an online poll concluding on October 31, with the outcome revealed on November 2.

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A survey conducted by Savanta from July 19 to July 21 indicates that Mr. Tugendhat is the leading candidate according to both the general public, where he scored minus three points, and among prospective Conservative voters for 2024, where he garnered 21 points.

According to the study, Dame Priti was the least favored, scoring minus 28 points and seven points respectively.

According to Savanta's data, Mr. Cleverly is currently in second place, trailing by nine points in public opinion and 19 points among prospective 2024 Conservative voters.

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