James Cleverly to Pitch Himself as 'Unity Candidate' in Tory Leadership Race

Unity Candidate Emerges

James Cleverly is set to position himself as the 'unity candidate' in a bid to lift the Tories out of their electoral slump. The Shadow Home Secretary is expected to be the first to formally enter the Tory leadership contest, facing tough competition from ex-cabinet colleagues.

Bid for Leadership

Cleverly aims to unite the party and win back supporters who may have shifted their allegiance to other parties in the last election. His focus on delivering results and ensuring the party is ready for the next polls is at the forefront of his campaign.

Contenders in the Race

Joining Cleverly in the leadership race are notable figures like Priti Patel, Tom Tugendhat, Kemi Badenoch, Mel Stride, and Robert Jenrick. Nominations open soon, with contenders vying for enough support to advance to the next round.

Path to Victory

As the field narrows down over the summer, Tory MPs will select four candidates to make their case at the party conference in October. The final two contenders will face off in an online ballot, with the winner set to be announced on November 2.

Call for Unity

Cleverly warns against infighting and calls on colleagues to avoid division and factionalism. Other potential candidates, like Suella Braverman, echo the sentiment of uniting the party against external challenges.

Tom Tugendhat and Robert Jenrick are also expected to announce their bids for the leadership, adding more depth to the competition.