Former Minister Backs Jenrick in Tory Leadership Race, Badenoch Gains Support

In a significant development in the ongoing Conservative Party leadership race, former minister Neil O'Brien has thrown his support behind Robert Jenrick. This endorsement comes as a surprise to some, given O'Brien's previous backing of Kemi Badenoch in the 2022 leadership contest.

O'Brien praised Jenrick as the candidate best positioned to address immigration concerns and reclaim voters from the Reform UK party. He emphasized Jenrick's understanding of the British political center ground, a crucial factor in the upcoming election.

The leadership race, which began following the resignation of the incumbent Conservative leader, currently features six candidates. Voting among Conservative MPs is set to commence in early September 2024, with the field narrowing to five candidates on September 4 and further reduced to four the following week. The contenders include Dame Priti Patel, James Cleverly, Mel Stride, and Tom Tugendhat, alongside Jenrick and Badenoch.

Jenrick, who previously served as Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, has positioned himself as a credible voice on immigration. His resignation as immigration minister in 2023 over the controversial Rwanda deportation plan has been highlighted as a principled stand.

Meanwhile, Badenoch has secured notable endorsements from Laura Trott, the shadow chief secretary to the Treasury, and Tony Abbott, former Australian Prime Minister. Trott drew parallels between Badenoch and Margaret Thatcher, the UK's first female Prime Minister who led the country from 1979 to 1990. She praised Badenoch's authenticity and principled approach, qualities reminiscent of Thatcher's leadership.

Abbott, who served on the UK's Board of Trade during Badenoch's presidency, commended her role in securing Britain's entry into the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). This trade agreement, involving Pacific Rim countries, was seen as a significant achievement for post-Brexit Britain.

"To be included in what was originally a strict regional trade grouping was a massive coup for Britain and testimony to global Britain's weight in the world. It was also a tribute to the secretary of state's hard work and attention to detail."

Despite expectations that Mel Stride might be the first candidate eliminated, his campaign remains optimistic. A source close to Stride expressed confidence in his performance at hustings and his ability to win over colleagues from across the party spectrum.

As the Conservative Party, which has been in power since 2010, prepares for a leadership transition, the outcome of this contest will be crucial in shaping the party's direction ahead of the next general election, due no later than January 2025. The leadership race unfolds against a backdrop of challenges, including economic concerns, immigration issues, and the ongoing "levelling up" agenda aimed at reducing regional imbalances in the UK.