Shakeup in Tory Leadership Race: Deputy Chair Matthew Vickers Resigns to Support Robert Jenrick

Deputy Chair of the Tories steps down to support Robert Jenrick in the race for Conservative leader

Following his role in overseeing a leadership debate at the Conservative Campaign Headquarters, Mr. Vickers has stepped down. Mr. Jenrick is competing to succeed Rishi Sunak, with rivals including James Cleverly, Mel Stride, Tom Tugendhat, Priti Patel, and Kemi Badenoch.

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Monday, August 19, 2024, 1:

Matthew Vickers, the deputy chair of the Conservative Party, has stepped down from his position to support Robert Jenrick in the race for the leadership of the Conservative Party.

Mr. Vickers holds the position of shadow policing minister as well, yet he is not required to step down from this role to endorse a candidate.

Conservative Campaign Headquarters (CCHQ) is maintaining its neutrality in the competition, leading Mr. Vickers to resign from his position at the organization.

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He initially took on the role of vice chairman in 2022, but has chosen to resign, citing his commitment to endorsing the MP for Newark as a key reason.

The choice was taken following his moderation of a debate for Conservative leaders attended by members from the north.

Every candidate, apart from Kemi Badenoch who was vacationing with her family, was present.

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Mr. Vickers remarked, "I presided over the northern hustings for the leadership race on Saturday.

Every candidate presented a strong case, yet Robert Jenrick emerged as the most impressive. The importance of this selection cannot be understated—we face a significant challenge and require a leader who can restore us within a single term. After listening to him firsthand, I am convinced that Robert is the right choice.

"He provided the most insightful explanation for our defeat and presented a convincing plan for our transformation, recovery, and future victories."

"Indeed, his strong communication skills are key, but importantly, he possesses the credibility essential to regaining the public's trust."

Mr. Jenrick expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "I am delighted to receive support from such an esteemed Conservative advocate and proponent of equalizing opportunities in the North East."

"In our efforts to reorganize as the opposition, it's crucial that we revisit our foundational principles of being a genuinely nationwide party, dedicated to serving the whole country and committed to extending opportunities across all regions of the UK."

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In past leadership contests, Mr. Vickers supported Rishi Sunak.

He presently serves as the Member of Parliament for Stockton West, having initially won election for the Stockton South constituency in 2019.

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A survey conducted from August 2 to August 12, which included 805 members of the Conservative Party, indicates that James Cleverly is the favored choice for the next party leader, garnering 26% of the support.

In the Techne UK survey, he was trailed by Dame Priti Patel with 20%, Ms Badenoch at 14%, Tom Tugendhat garnering 11%, Robert Jenrick capturing 10%, and Mel Stride at 4%.

Past surveys, however, have yielded different outcomes, and no clear favorite has yet been established.

At the beginning of next month, Tory MPs will cast their votes to reduce the current group of six candidates to only four.

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At the Conservative Party conference, scheduled from September 29 to October 2, participants will engage in what's described as a "beauty contest." Following this, MPs will vote to narrow down the field to two finalists.

The entire Conservative Party membership will cast their votes in a head-to-head contest, with the final victor announced on November 2.

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