At a recent Conservative Party conference event, Nadine Dorries, the former Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, shared her views on potential future party leadership. Dorries expressed strong support for certain candidates while criticizing others, particularly Kemi Badenoch.
Dorries stated she would be pleased if James Cleverly, Robert Jenrick, or Tom Tugendhat were to lead the Conservative Party in the future. She praised these individuals for their integrity and commitment to party unity, emphasizing their efforts to maintain governmental stability.
"All three of them put the party first before their own self-interest. All three of them are men of integrity, all three of them have proven they are grown-ups."
However, Dorries expressed significant reservations about Kemi Badenoch, the current Secretary of State for Business and Trade. She accused Badenoch of plotting against former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, referring to Badenoch's resignation from Johnson's government in July 2022 during the Chris Pincher scandal.
Dorries emphasized the importance of loyalty within the government, suggesting that those who have actively worked against a sitting Prime Minister should be disqualified from leadership consideration. This stance reflects the ongoing tensions within the Conservative Party following recent political upheavals.
The former culture secretary also commented on Boris Johnson's potential future involvement with the party. Despite Johnson's current distance from active politics, Dorries suggested that he might be interested in supporting the party, particularly during election periods.
Dorries' remarks were made at a reception for More in Common, a non-profit organization focused on building united and resilient societies. Her comments provide insight into the current dynamics within the Conservative Party as it navigates leadership transitions and policy directions.
It's worth noting that Dorries herself left her position in the House of Commons in 2023, citing concerns over the privileges committee inquiry into the partygate scandal. Since then, she has authored two books about political life in Westminster, with her second book, "Downfall," scheduled for release in the near future.
These developments occur against the backdrop of the Conservative Party's efforts to address various national challenges, including the levelling up agenda aimed at reducing regional and social imbalances across the United Kingdom. As the party continues to evolve, the views of influential figures like Dorries may play a role in shaping its future direction and leadership.