Tory leadership hopefuls are in a fierce battle to secure MPs’ support as the final ballot approaches. Former Home Secretary James Cleverly is positioned to be one of the final two candidates after leading Tuesday’s third round ballot with 39 votes. However, Robert Jenrick and Kemi Badenoch are neck and neck with just one vote separating them at 31 and 30 votes, respectively.
Both Jenrick and Badenoch are considered contenders representing the right-wing of the Conservative party, but only one will advance to the final round. They are now scrambling to gather more backing from their parliamentary colleagues before the crucial vote on Wednesday.
In the previous ballot, Badenoch gained two votes, while Jenrick lost two compared to the second round held before the party conference. Badenoch’s campaign is calling for the Tory right wing to rally behind her, while sources from Jenrick’s camp believe he is well-positioned to make it to the final two.
The result of Wednesday’s vote could hinge on the 20 MPs who originally backed eliminated candidate Tom Tugendhat. Notably, Nick Timothy, a former adviser to ex-Prime Minister Theresa May, has already declared his support for Jenrick. The vote outcome is expected to be announced around 3.30 pm, and the new party leader will be revealed on November 2 after Conservative Party members choose between the final two candidates.