Kemi Badenoch Emerges as Bookies' Favorite for New Tory Leader

Final Day of Campaigning

KEMI Badenoch is the bookies favourite to be declared the new Tory leader today. After nearly four months of campaigning, the long-drawn-out race to replace Rishi Sunak will finally draw to a close.

Ms Badenoch Tipped to Win

Sitting at 1/6 odds on the Betfair Exchange, Ms Badenoch is tipped to beat rival Robert Jenrick when the result is announced at 11am in central London.

Endorsements and Speculations

Yesterday, campaign teams for both contenders kept a low profile as they bunkered down and drafted versions of victory and loser speeches. Ms Badenoch received a last-minute flurry of endorsements from Tory MPs, with 13 shadow cabinet members backing her compared to three for Mr Jenrick.

Rishi Sunak's Future

The announcement will draw the curtains on Rishi Sunak’s two years as leader of the party. Despite speculation, he announced this week that he intends to return to the backbenches and remain as an MP until the end of the Parliament.

Public Perception and Candidates' Statements

Fresh YouGov polling showed mixed opinions on the relevance of the Tories, with 51% of the public thinking they are not very relevant or not relevant at all. Ahead of the result, Ms Badenoch and Mr Jenrick expressed gratitude and their visions for the party's future.