Former security minister Tom Tugendhat has declared his candidacy for the Conservative leadership, criticizing the party for "failing to deliver" on its promises.
In an article for the Daily Telegraph, he emphasized that he aims not only to lead the Conservatives but also to become the next prime minister.
In an interview with the BBC, Tugendhat suggested he might consider leaving the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), a contentious issue within the party. This announcement brings the total to three Conservative MPs vying to replace Rishi Sunak, with former Home Office minister Robert Jenrick and former home secretary James Cleverly also in the running.
The Future Direction of the Conservative Party
With the Conservatives reeling from their worst-ever defeat in the July 4 general election, Rishi Sunak has stepped down as party leader but will remain as acting leader until a successor is chosen. Tugendhat attributed the election loss to a breach of public trust due to unmet promises, asserting that internal party conflicts took precedence over serving the British people.
In his Telegraph piece, Tugendhat outlined his vision for the party, highlighting public desires for lower taxes, reduced immigration, and greater control over daily life. He also reiterated his willingness to consider withdrawing from the ECHR if elected, arguing that any international agreements must benefit the British people.
Tugendhat's Position on the ECHR
Tugendhat has previously expressed concerns about the ECHR's impact on UK interests. While some Conservatives believe leaving the convention is essential for immigration control and national security, others fear it could harm the UK's global standing and legal safeguards. Tugendhat has called for reforms or potential withdrawal from treaties that do not serve British interests, while acknowledging the complications such moves could pose for agreements like the Good Friday Agreement.
Tugendhat's Background and Previous Positions
Before entering Parliament, Tugendhat, 51, served as an Army officer in Iraq and Afghanistan. He was elected MP for Tonbridge in 2015 and chaired the foreign affairs committee, where he was vocal about the West's withdrawal from Afghanistan and the threat posed by China. He also criticized Boris Johnson over the Partygate scandal, questioning the government's credibility.
Tugendhat previously ran for Conservative leadership in 2022, but was eliminated in the third round. He served as security minister from September 2022 until the recent election. Known as part of the “centrist” One Nation group, Tugendhat seeks to rebuild and unite the Conservative Party.
Conservative Leadership Contest Details
To enter the leadership contest, candidates must secure support from at least 10 MPs by Monday afternoon. The field will be narrowed to four by MPs in September, coinciding with the party’s annual conference in Birmingham. The final two candidates will be chosen by party members, with the online vote concluding on October 31 and the result announced on November 2.
Former health secretary Victoria Atkins has ruled herself out, committing to support the next leader in revitalizing the party. Other potential candidates include former home secretaries Suella Braverman and Dame Priti Patel, and shadow communities secretary Kemi Badenoch. Photo by Chris McAndrew, Wikimedia commons.