Tory MPs Triumph in Leadership Contest Timeline Tussle, Setting Stage for Repeat of 2005 ‘Beauty Contest

Conservative MPs have prevailed in a power struggle with party officials regarding the schedule for the leadership contest to succeed Rishi Sunak. This victory sets the stage for what appears to be a reenactment of the 2005 leadership showdown in Blackpool.

Senior political reporter @joncraig

Thursday, July 18, 2024, 10:

Prominent members of the Conservative Party seem to have triumphed in a dispute with party officials who were pushing for a quick leadership election to succeed Rishi Sunak.

During a session with the party's leadership, Bob Blackman, the newly appointed chairman of the 1922 Committee, informed the executives that the predominant opinion among Conservative MPs was to avoid hurrying the leadership race.

The heads of the voluntary party were keen to have a new leader in place for Mr. Sunak in time for an official inauguration at the Tory conference in Birmingham, set to begin on September 29.

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After an extended session of the 1922 Committee in the Commons on Wednesday evening, Mr. Blackman informed the board that MPs prefer to have hustings at the conference, potentially featuring as many as four candidates.

It was anticipated that the schedule and guidelines for the competition would be released following the board meeting. However, due to a stalemate in the discussions, the decision has been postponed until the beginning of next week.

Following the session, a representative from the party communicated to Sky News, stating, "Today, the party board convened and engaged in a thorough conversation regarding the leadership procedure options put forward by the 1922 executive committee."

"The executive committee from 1922 is scheduled to reconvene and will reveal the process for selecting its leaders next week

Learn more: What is the 1922 Committee?

Shortly after, Mr. Blackman released a statement indicating that the committee convened on Wednesday to establish the guidelines for the forthcoming leadership race.

He mentioned that the board convened to "evaluate alternatives" and noted, "The 1922 executive will gather next week to review the regulations and a statement will be issued subsequently, detailing upcoming procedures."

Mr. Blackman's win will be welcomed by lawmakers concerned that a hastily arranged leadership race might result in a disliked leader and undermine their chances for a recovery following a significant electoral loss.

During an interview on Sky News' Politics Hub, Conservative MP Alicia Kearns, who confirmed her election to the board on Wednesday, was questioned by Ali Fortescue about her support for an extended leadership contest.

She stated: "I believe it's crucial for our party to take this opportunity to engage in discussions about recent events and to learn from them. We clearly have much to consider and reflect upon."

"We must approach this reflection with great humility. I believe it's crucial that we create room for this discussion within our party and engage our members in the conversation."

Who might vie to replace Sunak?

Former Home Secretary Priti Patel has announced her intention to run for office.

Sky News has learned that should Mr. Sunak decide to step down prematurely, an acting leader might be appointed to serve in his stead until a new leader can be officially chosen. It has been proposed that former leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith could take on this role.

Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick are definite contenders, while Suella Braverman, James Cleverly, Tom Tugendhat, and Victoria Atkins are also potential candidates.

Following the conclusion of the board meeting, which did not reach a consensus, a high-ranking Tory source disclosed to Sky News, "Bob Blackman and the 1922 Committee have prevailed.

It seems that the party board has been forced to yield.

During the 2022 conference on Wednesday, each presenter emphasized the need for careful consideration without haste.

Party leaders were eager to expedite the process.

"They were eager to conclude matters swiftly and have a new leader in place before the conference."

Parliamentarians agree on the necessity for an extended competition.

Sources indicate that during the recent election meeting to determine the new chair of the 1924 Committee, succeeding Sir Graham Brady, both Mr. Blackman and his competitor Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown supported the idea of an extended election process. The meeting occurred two weeks prior.

"During the electoral meeting, Bob Blackman suggested that four candidates be given the opportunity to address the conference," a Conservative party source disclosed.

They also mentioned that Geoffrey Clifton-Brown did not provide specific details, but made it clear that electing a new leader before the conference would be premature.

The Members of Parliament have emerged victorious, as they are extending their efforts past the summer break.

"Next week marks the final complete week before the House adjourns on July 30, meaning that the soonest the Members of Parliament could cast their votes would be in September."

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The board of the Conservative Party comprises approximately 20 individuals and is led by the party chairman, who at present is the interim chairman Richard Fuller, the Member of Parliament for North Bedfordshire.

The group consists of five National Conservative Convention members, the party's treasurer, additional officials, representatives from Scottish and Welsh local governments, and a Conservative peer, the ex-minister from the Thatcher era, Lord Forsyth.

In addition to Ms. Kearns, the board includes Mr. Blackman, who serves as the chairman of the 1922 Committee, and three elected members: the esteemed former cabinet minister Sir John Whittingdale, and former minister Mark Garnier. Former MP Nickie Aiken, who is the deputy chairman of the party, is also part of the group.

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Is there potential for a surprising new candidate to appear?

Should Mr. Blackman's suggestions be implemented next week, the election procedure will mirror that of 2005, during which five contenders participated in a "beauty contest" at the Conservative conference in Blackpool.

At the gathering held at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool, David Cameron rose from being a dark horse to the frontrunner following a presentation that Sky News hailed as "electrifying."

Stay informed with the latest updates from the UK and international stories by tuning into Sky News.

David Davis, initially leading the race, faced backlash for showcasing young female supporters wearing snug T-shirts emblazoned with "it's DD for me".

Journalists dubbed it "turmoil over the double D."

No matter the regulations for the 2024 race, candidates this time around will definitely avoid that type of campaigning!

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