Former Tory leadership candidate Mel Stride has thrown his support behind James Cleverly, providing a significant boost to Cleverly’s campaign. Stride, who was eliminated in the previous round, believes that Cleverly is the right choice to lead the Conservative Party and highlighted Cleverly’s qualities in economic competence, migration policy, and public service reform.
Cleverly’s momentum has been steadily growing, especially after his rousing speech at the Tory conference where he called for the party to return to its roots and “be normal again.” Seen as a contender for the centrist One Nation wing of the Tories, Cleverly, along with Tom Tugendhat, is garnering support as the leadership race progresses.
The four candidates, including Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick, are set to be narrowed down to three before further eliminations lead to the final two candidates chosen by the full party membership. Cleverly’s surge in popularity has seen him rise to second place in members’ preferences, according to recent polling.
Despite initial setbacks, Cleverly’s consistent messaging and appeal to party members have been effective in positioning him as a strong contender. Polls indicate that Cleverly would defeat Jenrick in a head-to-head matchup, a significant development in the leadership race.
While Cleverly’s odds have improved, rival candidate Kemi Badenoch remains a frontrunner in the race, with support from party members despite controversies during the recent conference. The dynamics of the leadership race are shifting, with Cleverly emerging as a viable candidate with increasing support.
Tory MPs are set to cast their votes in the upcoming rounds, with the final decision ultimately resting with the party membership. Cleverly’s rise in popularity and backing from key figures like Mel Stride signal a potential shift in the Conservative leadership landscape.