Former UK immigration minister, Robert Jenrick, has shown potential as a front-runner for leadership of the Conservative party as he and three others vied for Rishi Sunak’s position at the close of the party conference in Birmingham. Rising to the public eye after his resignation from Sunak’s government in objection to what he deemed a lenient proposed Rwanda immigration deportation policy, he has vowed to guide the UK out of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), sparking interest in a considerable portion of party attendees at the International Convention Centre. However, this approach has also incited controversy as critics argue it could harm the UK’s standing.
While Jenrick’s anti-immigration rhetoric delivered with conviction scored points, his address lacked the geniality seen in the speech by former foreign and home secretary, James Cleverly. The most formidable competition according to the events this week featured Cleverly as the sole speaker to utilize a podium. Combining thoughtfulness with bouts of humour and humility in his address, he motivated his party to foster a more upbeat attitude.
Stressing the need for the party to pursue “conservatism with a smile,” he advised that complacency be avoided despite the dwindling popularity of the new Labour government. Cleverly positioned himself as the most intimidating challenger to rival political parties and pledged to bring about unity within his own. The other competing individuals are Tom Tugendhat and Kemi Badenoch.
“No time must be wasted, and I don’t waste,” he articulated. Perhaps Ms Badenoch, who concluded the conference with her speech, may contest this assertion. Much like Mr Jenrick and Mr Tugendhat who preceded her, Ms Badenoch delivered her address with confidence and without the need for notes, reminiscent of David Cameron’s famed 2005 conference address that secured his leadership.
Ms Badenoch, who leans to the party’s right much like Mr Jenrick, enjoys a considerabale popularity among the party members. Her biting critiques on Labour’s “left-wing folly” were favourably received. Still, it remains to be seen whether her speech indeed delivered the significant impact she needed to fend off a challenge from Mr Cleverly and secure her place among the final two contenders. These two will face final party member votes over the coming month.
Mr Jenrick is almost assured of securing a spot in the final two. High expectations are now placed on Mr Cleverly to join him. However, if Ms Badenoch could strategically secure backing from the MPs behind the scenes in the remaining week before the contenders are reduced, she may change the expected outcome.