Tommy Meskill reports that James Cleverly, the Conservative Shadow Home Secretary, has been removed from consideration to lead the party.
Robert Jenrick, the former immigration minister, and Kemi Badenoch, the shadow business secretary, have advanced to the last round.
The winner is expected to be declared on November 2nd, after the party’s general membership casts their votes over the next few weeks.
During the MPs’ fourth voting round this afternoon, Kemi Badenoch scored 42, Robert Jenrick scored 41, and James Cleverly scored 37.
Conservative lawmakers were taken aback by Mr. Cleverly’s elimination because many had anticipated that he would advance to the championship round.
Following yesterday’s vote, the shadow Home Secretary was ahead.
Many of his fellow MPs also gave him high marks after his speech at the Conservative party conference last week.
Mr. Jenrick and Ms. Badenoch are perceived as candidates favored by the conservative right, but Mr. Cleverly was perceived as a more centrist member of the party.
After yesterday’s voting round, Mr. Cleverly was considered the bookies’ favorite to win, thus the most recent result has shocked many forecasts in Westminster and beyond.
“I’m grateful for the support I’ve received on this campaign from colleagues, party members, and the public,” Mr. Cleverly stated after losing the leadership race.
He also said, “Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be,” in a post on X, formerly Twitter. Since we are all Conservatives, it is critical that the Party come together to oppose this disastrous Labour Government.”
ALSO READ:
Biden Implores Inhabitants Of Storm-Ravaged Florida To Leave Immediately.
