Britain’s Conservative party on Monday announced that it will reveal its new leader on 2 November, following a historic electoral defeat that prompted former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak‘s resignation. The announcement comes after a devastating result reduced the party to just 121 MPs, marking its worst-ever performance. The centre-left Labour opposition secured a commanding 174-seat majority.
The new leader will assume the role of official opposition leader in Parliament and engage in debates with the newly appointed Prime Minister Keir Starmer, including the crucial weekly “Prime Minister’s questions.”
Although no candidates have officially declared their intentions, several names have been floated as potential successors to Sunak. These include former trade minister Kemi Badenoch, hardline ex-interior minister Suella Braverman, Britain’s former top diplomat James Cleverly, and ex-immigration minister Robert Jenrick.
The party’s 1922 Committee, responsible for internal organisation, has established the race’s rules. Candidates may submit their bids until 29 July. The 121 Conservative MPs will then vote twice to narrow the field to two finalists. Party members will decide the winner in an online vote in October, with the final result announced on 2 November.
Sunak will remain as Tory leader until his successor is chosen. The internal divisions that contributed to the Conservatives’ downfall are expected to surface further, particularly following the rise of the far-right Reform UK party, which attracted many traditional Conservative voters in the 4 July election.
1922 Committee Chairman Bob Blackman highlighted the importance of a respectful and thorough leadership debate. “We must remember that the country — and our members — want to see us engaged in proper debate not personal attacks,” he said.
Sunak said it was in the “national interest” for the party to have a “smooth and orderly transition to a new leader of the opposition”. “This will allow our party to fulfill its role as the official opposition professionally and effectively. I believe this is what is best for the Conservative Party and, most importantly, our country”, he said.
The new leader will assume the role of official opposition leader in Parliament and engage in debates with the newly appointed Prime Minister Keir Starmer, including the crucial weekly “Prime Minister’s questions.”
Although no candidates have officially declared their intentions, several names have been floated as potential successors to Sunak. These include former trade minister Kemi Badenoch, hardline ex-interior minister Suella Braverman, Britain’s former top diplomat James Cleverly, and ex-immigration minister Robert Jenrick.
The party’s 1922 Committee, responsible for internal organisation, has established the race’s rules. Candidates may submit their bids until 29 July. The 121 Conservative MPs will then vote twice to narrow the field to two finalists. Party members will decide the winner in an online vote in October, with the final result announced on 2 November.
Sunak will remain as Tory leader until his successor is chosen. The internal divisions that contributed to the Conservatives’ downfall are expected to surface further, particularly following the rise of the far-right Reform UK party, which attracted many traditional Conservative voters in the 4 July election.
1922 Committee Chairman Bob Blackman highlighted the importance of a respectful and thorough leadership debate. “We must remember that the country — and our members — want to see us engaged in proper debate not personal attacks,” he said.
Sunak said it was in the “national interest” for the party to have a “smooth and orderly transition to a new leader of the opposition”. “This will allow our party to fulfill its role as the official opposition professionally and effectively. I believe this is what is best for the Conservative Party and, most importantly, our country”, he said.