Braverman Withdraws from Tory Leadership Race as Badenoch Enters
The current favorite to replace Rishi Sunak is the shadow housing secretary, while the former home secretary expressed feeling ‘vilified’ by colleagues.
Kemi Badenoch, the shadow housing secretary, officially announced her bid for the Tory leadership on Monday. In contrast, Suella Braverman, the former Home Secretary, disclosed that she opted out of the race.
In an article in The Times of London, Badenoch criticized the Tories for losing the last election due to uncertainty about their identity and goals. She expressed her bid for the Conservative Party leadership to rejuvenate the movement and work for the country’s benefit with public support.
During her time in the Cabinet, Badenoch became well-known for her stance on gender issues, advocating for a revision of the Equality Act to define sex biologically. She also opposed the inclusion of Reform UK and Nigel Farage in the Conservative Party.
Braverman Decides Not to Run
On the other hand, Braverman shared that she had garnered enough support to enter the leadership race but ultimately chose not to run.
Braverman announced on social media that she would not run for the Conservative Party leadership, thanking supporters and endorsing the new leader for a Tory revival from the backbenches.
In her piece for The Telegraph, Braverman criticized the lack of consensus on the reasons for the Conservative Party’s election loss. She mentioned being criticized by colleagues for her views on tax increases, unfulfilled promises, immigration issues, and handling the COVID-19 crisis.
She pinpointed failures to address long-standing Blairism in legislation and the infiltration of transgender ideology and critical race theory in institutions during her tenure. Braverman highlighted the need to address the challenge posed by Reform UK but acknowledged her inability to conform to popular opinions, leading her to withdraw from the leadership race.
As nominations close on Monday afternoon, candidates are required to have a proposer, seconder, and eight backers to qualify. The Conservative Party conference, scheduled from Sept. 29 to Oct. 2 in Birmingham, will host presentations from the final four contenders chosen by the parliamentary party. The ultimate leader will be decided through an online ballot open to party members until Halloween, with the result announcement on Nov. 2.
Sunak will continue in his role until his replacement is chosen.
PA Media contributed to this report.
