UK Conservative Leaders Divided on Leaving European Convention on Human Rights

James Cleverly, newly appointed to the Conservative shadow cabinet, has refused to endorse party leader Kemi Badenoch's evolving stance on leaving the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), despite her stating she is increasingly in favor of withdrawal. Cleverly emphasized the need to await the outcome of a review commissioned by Badenoch before committing to a position, while acknowledging frustrations with current judicial decisions that hinder deportations. Though he expressed understanding of Badenoch's position and pledged to abide by any official party policy, Cleverly cautioned that leaving the ECHR may not be a straightforward solution and stressed the importance of considering broader implications. This divergence highlights internal Tory uncertainty over migration control strategies, with some party figures advocating for exit from the treaty and others hesitant. The debate also mirrors wider political divides, with Nigel Farage's Reform UK party supporting leaving the ECHR and Labour opposing it. The issue is expected to be a significant point of contention in upcoming elections.