As the Tory leadership race heats up, James Cleverly has stepped into the spotlight, confidently asserting that he’s the frontrunner among candidates vying for the top position.
Following a rousing speech that earned him a standing ovation at the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham, Cleverly believes he has the momentum to secure his place in the final two.
Showcasing Leadership Qualities
In his address, the former home secretary emphasized that one doesn’t have to adopt an aggressive stance to be a successful leader.
“You can be a winner without being a b******,” he stated, indicating his intention to maintain a positive and respectful campaign.
With four candidates still in the running—Cleverly, Kemi Badenoch, Robert Jenrick, and Tom Tugendhat—two will be eliminated in the upcoming round of voting next week.
Upcoming Vote Will Shape the Race
As MPs return to Parliament after their three-week break for party conferences, they will vote to determine which two candidates will move forward in the leadership contest.
Cleverly’s allies are optimistic about his chances, believing he can edge out Badenoch to face off against Jenrick, who currently enjoys significant support among party members.
Meanwhile, Tugendhat, often viewed as the underdog, is expected to be eliminated despite leading in fundraising efforts.
One of Cleverly’s supporters noted that he is likely to gain the backing of Conservative MPs who previously supported Mel Stride, who was knocked out in the last round.
“If you liked Mel for his experience and vision, let me introduce you to James Cleverly,” they said, suggesting Cleverly’s appeal as a seasoned candidate.
Candidates Make Their Case
The four contenders have spent four days in Birmingham making their case to the Conservative Party, each having the opportunity to speak directly to delegates.
Many observers felt that Cleverly delivered the most compelling performance during this crucial period.
After his speech, Cleverly reflected on the success of his “relentlessly optimistic” campaign approach.
“We’ve allowed the idea that to be a true conservative, you have to be angry or grumpy. I don’t buy into that,” he said on the Political Currency podcast.
He stressed that positivity can coexist with Tory values, stating, “My campaign has been run on a relentlessly optimistic ticket. I am literally proving my hypothesis.”
Tension Builds as Voting Approaches
Despite Cleverly’s rising profile, Robert Jenrick remains the bookies’ favorite to become the next Tory leader, having won both previous rounds of MPs’ voting.
The competition between Cleverly and Badenoch to secure a place alongside Jenrick in the final vote is expected to be intense.
Once the MPs select the final two candidates, the broader party membership will have the chance to vote for the winner, with the announcement set for November 2.
Fundraising Figures Highlight Financial Backing
Interestingly, Tugendhat leads in financial support among the candidates, having received over £150,000 for his campaign.
In the most recent declaration of MPs’ interests, Tugendhat reported donations exceeding £152,508, with Jenrick close behind at £134,376.
Cleverly and Badenoch reported significantly lower figures, at £89,000 and £40,000, respectively.
With the stakes high and the race tightening, all eyes are on the upcoming vote to see who will continue the fight for Tory leadership.