The Conservative Party's leadership race has reached fever pitch as candidates battle it out to replace Rishi Sunak following the party's significant defeat at the polls. With the annual Conservative conference kicking off in Birmingham, four contenders—Kemi Badenoch, Robert Jenrick, James Cleverly, and Tom Tugendhat—are carving out their respective visions, and immigration policy has become the defining topic of their campaigns.
One key figure, Robert Jenrick, has emerged as the front-runner after topping the first two rounds of votes among MPs. The former immigration minister, who resigned from his position last year, proposes introducing "a legally binding cap on migration" enabled by parliamentary approval. He emphasizes the need for stricter immigration controls, arguing, "We’ve got to do this this time." Jenrick believes the previous government failed to manage migration, which he suggests has exacerbated pressure on public services and led to the Tories’ electoral downfall. He has also called for the UK to withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights if that's necessary to regain control over immigration.
Kemi Badenoch, another strong contender and former Business Secretary, positioned herself with the grassroots members but faced criticism over her audacious language. Badenoch argues against cultural relativism, stating, "Not all cultures are equally valid" when it pertains to the integration of immigrants. She stresses the importance of ensuring new arrivals share the country's values, highlighting the necessity for migrants to contribute positively to British society. Badenoch captured the public's attention with her assertive approach, maintaining she has garnered notable support among Conservative voters.
Meanwhile, James Cleverly, often viewed as more centrist among the contenders, is also striving to differentiate himself. After his term as home secretary, Cleverly advocates for strict migration reductions as well, albeit with more emphasis on national security and promoting public confidence. He contends the high immigration rates observed during the COVID-19 pandemic were detrimental and describes himself as a "staunchly conservative Conservative," indicating his commitment to traditional party principles.
Tom Tugendhat, recognized for his military background, is pitching himself as the candidate of service and leadership. He urges the party to pivot away from infighting and focus on unifying under shared goals. Tugendhat’s stance on immigration is reminiscent of his rivals, as he, too, supports establishing caps on migration but prefers taking actionable steps rather than reacting to past failures.
Despite this display of ambition, the contest hasn't stirred excitement among the party faithful. Many have voiced dissatisfaction with the candidates, considering the race to be lackluster and uninspiring. A senior Tory described the competition as “ponderous,” raising concerns about the candidates’ abilities to ignite momentum heading toward the next general election. They needed to showcase their leadership capabilities prominently during the conference—a series of interviews, panel discussions, and speeches critically determining their chances of success.
On the opening day of the conference, both Badenoch and Jenrick faced tough questions from Laura Kuenssberg, with immigration being the primary focus of their exchanges. Jenrick reiterated his call for a cap, insisting on numbers being kept "in the tens of thousands or lower," which reflects the growing concern among members, particularly after the Conservative government's recent election woes. Badenoch was equally firm, insisting some ideologies contradict the nation's fundamental principles, stating, "We have to make sure the people who come here love this country." This approach highlights her intent to shift the narrative around immigration debates.
With voting rounds set to continue until only two candidates remain, observers are closely analyzing the candidates’ performances. Candidates face significant pressure to differentiate themselves from each other, which becomes more difficult as they align on core platforms like immigration and economic reform. Immigration, public expenditure, and changing party culture dominate discussions at the conference, as they are central to voters' concerns.
The turmoil within the party has opened space for discussion around various policy areas, including the economy. Each contender has offered differing views on taxation and spending. Jenrick argues for tax reforms favoring small businesses, raising VAT thresholds to stimulate growth. Badenoch believes excessive regulation stifles entrepreneurship, advocating for deregulation to help businesses flourish.
James Cleverly aims to increase housing supply and market incentives, pledging to reduce bureaucratic constraints weighing down progress. Tugendhat has called for significant transformation, promising to invigorate the economy by encouraging higher wages and reducing migration.
Overall, this contest exemplifies the broader struggle the Conservative Party faces. Following years of internal conflict, the next leader must unite party members, instill confidence among constituents, and reverse dire electoral forecasts. The leadership search, set to culminate with the announcement of the new leader on 2 November, will demand polished performances and strategic dialogues over the coming days.
While the candidates engage with members to present their policies, they must also navigate their public personas. Badenoch's assertiveness, Jenrick's calculated diplomacy, Cleverly's calm demeanor, and Tugendhat's appeal as a servant leader must resonate with Conservatives if they wish to ascend to the party's highest ranks. The stakes are high—whoever emerges victorious will not only inherit the party's leadership but also bore the burden of rebuilding trust with the electorate after the Conservatives’ historic defeat and enduring questions of their relevance.
