Centrist or right-winger? Who's in the race to succeed Rishi Sunak as leader of Conservative Party?

The Conservative Party in the UK has announced that six candidates are in the fray for the position of the leader of the Tories . These members of Parliament will be running in the three-month-long contest to succeed Rishi Sunak.

The leadership contest follows the Conservative Party’s devastating election defeat on July 4, which saw it lose power after 14 years, reduced to 121 seats in the 650-seat House of Commons. The party is now split between moderates, who want to win back centrist voters, and hard-liners, who advocate for tougher migration and law and order policies to regain ground lost to the right-wing Reform UK party, led by Nigel Farage.

Here’s a look at the six candidates and the factions they belong to.

Priti Patel

Position: Former Home Secretary
Faction: Right-wing
Background: Patel has a reputation for her hardline stance on immigration and law and order, gaining strong support from the party’s right-wing faction. As Home Secretary, she was known for her tough policies on national security and public safety. Patel promotes strict measures to control immigration and enhance law enforcement.

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Kemi Badenoch

Position: Former Business Secretary
Faction: Right-wing
Background: Badenoch, who came third in the party’s last leadership election in 2022, is an early favourite with bookmakers. Raised in Nigeria, Badenoch uses language reminiscent of Conservative icon Margaret Thatcher, advocating for a smaller state and the renewal of capitalism. She emphasises the importance of free market principles and seeks to persuade voters of the value of conservatism.

Robert Jenrick

Position: Former Immigration Minister
Faction: Centrist/Right-wing
Background: Jenrick has experience in handling immigration issues and has worked in various governmental roles, including as a former immigration minister. He has secured the required support of 10 Conservative lawmakers and is seen as a candidate who can bridge the gap between centrists and right-wing factions within the party.

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James Cleverly

Position: Former Foreign Secretary
Faction: Centrist
Background: Cleverly is a prominent figure in the party’s centrist grouping. He has significant experience in diplomacy and has held various ministerial roles, including in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. Known for his pragmatic approach, Cleverly aims to steer the party towards moderate policies and away from the extremes.

Tom Tugendhat

Position: Lawmaker
Faction: Centrist
Background: Tugendhat is a well-respected member of the Conservative Party’s centrist faction. With a strong background in foreign affairs and defence, he is known for his measured and thoughtful approach to policy. Tugendhat advocates for a balanced party direction, focusing on pragmatic and centrist solutions to the country’s challenges.

Mel Stride

Position: Veteran Lawmaker
Faction: Centrist
Background: Stride is a seasoned politician with a long history of service within the Conservative Party. He is known for his experience and steady hand, often focusing on fiscal responsibility and moderate reforms. Stride aims to appeal to the centrist voters within the party, promoting pragmatic and balanced policies.

Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman, a key figure on the party’s right, has opted not to run but has called for the party to reach out to Reform and integrate Farage into the Conservative ranks.

With inputs from AP