The Conservatives are set to initiate a three-month leadership contest this week to replace Rishi Sunak, culminating in the announcement of a new Tory leader on 2 November. Nominations will commence on Wednesday, requiring candidates to secure backing from 10 MPs to enter the initial voting round.
MPs will subsequently narrow down the field to four candidates, who will have an opportunity to address party members at the Conservative conference starting on 29 September.
Following further rounds of voting, MPs will further reduce the contenders to two, with the final winner chosen by Conservative Party members through an online ballot. This development comes as Rishi Sunak’s ally, Mel Stride, shadow work and pension secretary, expressed his consideration of joining the race.
Rishi Sunak has officially stepped down as Conservative leader on Monday, although he will continue as acting leader until his successor is elected. As of now, no candidates have officially confirmed their candidacy, but potential contenders include Robert Jenrick, Suella Braverman, Dame Priti Patel, James Cleverly, Tom Tugendhat, and Kemi Badenoch.
