Former Home Secretary Priti Patel is set to run for the leadership of the Conservative Party, according Sky News report. This decision comes in the wake of Labour’s landslide victory two weeks ago, which has led to speculation in Westminster about potential contenders for the party’s top position.
According to reports, rumors had been circulating for months that Patel was preparing to enter the race if the Conservatives lost the general election. The Telegraph was the first to report her decision to proceed with her candidacy. Patel is expected to face competition from several prominent party members, including her successor in the Home Office, Suella Braverman.
Other potential candidates include former Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch, ex-Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick, and previous Security Minister Tom Tugendhat. However, none of these individuals have officially announced their candidacy yet.
Current Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will remain in his position until a new leader is chosen. The party is currently divided over whether the leadership transition should be a swift process or a more extended contest.
Shadow Foreign Secretary Andrew Mitchell commented on Monday, stating, “Mr Sunak’s instinct is almost certainly to go,” but emphasized the need for more time for potential successors to present their cases. Meanwhile, other senior Conservative figures express concern that a prolonged leadership contest could create an opportunity for Labour and Reform UK to gain an advantage.
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