Robert Jenrick becomes the third confirmed Tory leader candidate claiming he already has 10 MP backers needed to stand - as jockeying gears up with Tom Tugendhat wooing the Right and Priti Patel, Kemi Badenoch and Suella Braverman among SEVEN readying bids By James Tapsfield, Political Editor For Mailonline Published: 05:10 EDT, 25 July 2024 | Updated: 05:30 EDT, 25 July 2024 e-mail 2 View comments Robert Jenrick became the third confirmed Tory leadership candidate today claiming he already has the 10 MP backers needed to make the ballot. The ex-Cabinet minister is set to hand his nominations to the powerful 1922 Committee this morning, insisting he can win back voters from Reform and make the party 'competent' again. The announcement comes after Tom Tugendhat, regarded as a One Nation Tory, entered the fray with a pitch to the Right - insisting he would be prepared to leave the ECHR.
Former home sectetary James Cleverly has also publicly declared he wants to succeed Rishi Sunak. Altogether seven Tories are thought to be making runs, including Kemi Badenoch and Priti Patel . Nominations opened last night, and contenders now having until Tuesday to gather support from at least 10 MPs to appear on the initial ballot.
Rival camps have heaping pressure on Ms Badenoch , warning that the apparent frontrunner must show she has backing from dozens of her colleagues to maintain momentum. Mel Stride and Suella Braverman are the other Conservatives who have requested nomination forms to.