The Braintree MP and current shadow home secretary, James Cleverly, announced his candidacy for the Conservative leadership on Tuesday evening through a video
posted on social media. He is the first Conservative member to declare his intention to run for leader following the party's announcement of a three-month leadership contest to replace Rishi Sunak by November. Mr. Sunak has stated he will remain as acting leader until a successor is elected.
In his campaign launch video, Mr. Cleverly emphasized the need for the Conservatives to "re-establish our reputation" as a party that "helps grow the economy, helps people achieve their goals, their dreams, and their aspirations." He stressed the importance of a "united party, focused on the needs of the British people."
Previously, Mr. Cleverly had urged his party not to "narrow our offer" as it seeks to recover from the significant election defeat on July 4. He advocated for the party to be a "broad church" to reclaim voters from both the left and right.
Mr. Cleverly, who has served as both foreign and home secretary under previous Conservative governments, was widely anticipated to join the leadership race. Other potential candidates include former minister Mel Stride, former immigration minister Robert Jenrick, former home secretaries Suella Braverman and Dame Priti Patel, shadow security minister Tom Tugendhat, and shadow communities secretary Kemi Badenoch.
To remain in the contest, leadership candidates must secure support from 10 fellow Tory MPs by July 29. Up to 11 MPs could be in the running at this stage. MPs will then narrow down the field through a series of ballots starting in early September, reducing the candidates to four by the Tory conference at the end of that month. Party members will vote for the leader from this shortlist in a ballot closing on October 31.
Bob Blackman, chairman of the backbenchers' 1922 Committee overseeing the selection of the new leader, expressed his commitment to a "respectful and thorough leadership debate." He emphasized the importance of engaging in proper debate rather than personal attacks, as both the country and party members expect. Photo by Simon Dawson / No10 Downing Street, Wikimedia commons.