MP Tom Tugendhat has announced his candidacy to succeed Rishi Sunak as the next Conservative leader, expressing willingness to leave the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) in an apparent bid to appeal to the right-wing faction of the party. Despite previously warning against leaving the ECHR due to potential implications for agreements like the Good Friday Agreement, Tugendhat now believes it may be necessary if institutions hinder UK border control.
In an article for the Telegraph, Tugendhat argued that the Conservative position should be to leave the ECHR if necessary, aligning himself with potential right-wing rivals who advocate for the UK’s exit from the convention. Additionally, he pushed for increased defense spending, addressing key issues like gender identity and net zero, while acknowledging that the party’s loss in the last election was due to a lack of trust from voters.
Tugendhat emphasized the importance of regaining trust to win the next election, contrasting himself with other potential candidates like Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick. Notably, shadow health secretary Victoria Atkins, considered a moderate within the party, ruled herself out of the leadership race.
The Conservative leadership contest will see MPs narrowing down the candidates to a shortlist of four in September, with the final decision made by grassroots members in November. Rishi Sunak will continue as interim leader until then.
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