Political commentator Katy Balls and Conservative peer Paul Goodman discuss the Tory leadership race, analyzing candidate strategies, policy tensions, and factors considered by MPs. They delve into the challenges of securing support in a field of 10 contenders and the importance of resonating with party members and voters.
Candidates need to appeal to different party wings and MPs for support.
Member tendencies towards 'right-wing' candidates might impact the leadership race.
Deep dives
Tory Leadership Contest Nominations and Candidates
The Tory leadership contest nominations have opened with Tom Tugenhart and James Cleverley already declared as candidates. More candidates like Robert Jenrick are expected to enter the race. Despite media interest, the contest is for an opposition leader, not a Prime Minister, which may affect its prominence. Getting the 10 required nominations is proving challenging for some candidates.
Candidate Strategies and Dynamics of the Contest
Candidates like Tom Tugenhart and James Cleverley have launched campaigns with specific pitches and website launches. The contest reflects past Conservative leadership elections with various names initially emerging. Strategies may focus on winning over MPs and appealing to the party's different wings, considering the tensions between Red and Blue Wall areas.
Member vs. MP Support and Campaign Dynamics
MPs are likely to support candidates based on who they think can save their seats and boost the party's fortunes. Members, on the other hand, may lean towards a 'right-wing' candidate historically. The contest displays a mix of polling showing favorites like Kemal Baden-Ock and Robert Jenrick, hinting at a potentially close race. Candidates strategize to engage both MPs and party members for support.
As more Conservative MPs declare their intentions to run for the Tory leadership, James Heale speaks to Katy Balls and Conservative peer Paul Goodman about the runners and riders. What can they learn from previous leadership elections? Who will play well with the members and the public at large? And what will the dividing lines be between the candidates?
Produced by Patrick Gibbons.
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