Moderate Conservatives are considering boycotting their ballots after Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick emerged as the final two candidates in the race for Tory leadership.
A supporter of James Cleverly revealed that some centrist members have said they are “throwing their ballot papers away” after their preferred candidate, seen as the most centrist option, was unexpectedly eliminated.
Both Jenrick and Badenoch are viewed as being on the party’s Right, with Jenrick advocating withdrawal from the European Convention on Human Rights and Badenoch opposing “woke” policies.
The situation risks deepening divisions within the party, as centrist members feel sidelined in shaping its future direction.
Cleverly is reportedly not planning to endorse either candidate.
Following Cleverly’s elimination, a blame game erupted on Wednesday.
Angry Tories have accused MPs of “freelancing” and engaging in misguided tactical voting.
Others have directed their frustration at Grant Shapps, Cleverly’s campaign manager.
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Jenrick refutes claims of shifting to the political centre if he becomes leader
Robert JenrickPA
Robert Jenrick has denied a claim he privately told Conservative MPs that he would guide the Tories back to the political centre ground if he becomes leader.
A shadow cabinet member alleged that Jenrick had “assured me he would move toward the centre” and suspected he had conveyed a similar message to other MPs, according to the i newspaper.
There has been some concerns raised by moderate Tories that the leadership competition is between two candidates who are on the Right of the Party.
Asked if he had promised anyone that he would return to the centre if he became leader, Jenrick said: “I haven’t said that, no. But let me just address the broader point that it raises because there are those who say that the Conservative Party, were I to lead it, is going to shift to the Right.
“I actually don’t see these labels as at all relevant. What I want to see is the Conservative Party occupy what I describe as the common ground of British politics. Those are the things that millions of our fellow citizens care about,” he told the BBC.
Economy grows in August after two flat months
The UK economy grew in August after it was flat in the previous two months, according to the latest official figures.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said gross domestic product (GDP) recorded 0.2 per cent growth in August, up from no growth in June or July.
It was in line with economist predictions but is nevertheless a boost for Chancellor Rachel Reeves ahead of this month’s autumn Budget.
ONS director of economic statistics Liz McKeown said: “All main sectors of the economy grew in August, but the broader picture is one of slowing growth in recent months, compared to the first half of the year.
“In August, accountancy, retail and many manufacturers had strong months while construction also recovered from July’s contraction.
“These were partially offset by falls in wholesaling and oil extraction.”