James Cleverly hints he will join Conservative leadership contest – UK politics live | Politics
Opening summary
Good morning, I'm Sammy Gecsoyler and I'll be taking you through the latest developments at Westminster today.
After Mel Stride said he was considering a bid to become Tory leader on Tuesday, another senior figure has seemingly thrown their hat in the ring.
James Cleverly has hinted that he will join the contest ahead of nominations opening on Wednesday.
The shadow home secretary told ITV’s Good Morning Britain: “Of course, I and a number of other people have thought about the future of our country, have thought about the contribution of the party and our personal contribution to those things.
“Of course, I don’t think I’m alone in having given that serious thought.
“I’ve always believed, to do the job that you’re meant to be doing when you’re meant to be doing it. And when I was in government I focused on delivering in government. Now I’m in opposition, my focus, particularly today, is to hold the Labour party to account.”
Key events
James Cleverly has warned Tory leadership rivals not to “divide up and factionalise”, responding to Suella Braverman words that the Tories must not become “a collection of fanatical, irrelevant, centrist cranks”.
Cleverly told Sky News: “Trying to carve up and divide up and factionalise … is the wrong way of thinking.”
Cleverly, who is considering a run for Tory leader, was asked whether he had the backing of 10 MPs needed to enter the first round of voting. He said: “I’ve had lots of very kind words from colleagues, both former colleagues and current colleagues.”
Other potential leadership contenders include shadow communities secretary Kemi Badenoch, former work and pensions secretary Mel Stride, former home secretary Priti Patel, shadow security minister Tom Tugendhat and former immigration minister Robert Jenrick.
The Conservative party will elect its new leader on 2 November. Nominations will open on Wednesday evening and close in the afternoon on 29 July.
Opening summary
Good morning, I'm Sammy Gecsoyler and I'll be taking you through the latest developments at Westminster today.
After Mel Stride said he was considering a bid to become Tory leader on Tuesday, another senior figure has seemingly thrown their hat in the ring.
James Cleverly has hinted that he will join the contest ahead of nominations opening on Wednesday.
The shadow home secretary told ITV’s Good Morning Britain: “Of course, I and a number of other people have thought about the future of our country, have thought about the contribution of the party and our personal contribution to those things.
“Of course, I don’t think I’m alone in having given that serious thought.
“I’ve always believed, to do the job that you’re meant to be doing when you’re meant to be doing it. And when I was in government I focused on delivering in government. Now I’m in opposition, my focus, particularly today, is to hold the Labour party to account.”
