Conservative Party Leadership Election Concludes

The Conservative Party leadership election has concluded, with Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick vying for the position, set to be announced on 2 November. As the party faces declining public confidence and recent scandals, there is speculation about which candidate might rejuvenate support ahead of the next general election. Both candidates align with the party's right-wing but differ in their leadership styles and policy priorities, raising questions about their ability to bridge divides within the party. Public perception of the candidates has been largely negative, with polling indicating only 2% of the public finds Tory members 'normal,' and derogatory terms used to describe Jenrick. The campaign has also been marred by absurd moments, including controversial statements made by Jenrick regarding immigration. Amid this backdrop, new Conservative MP Shivani Raja reflects on her unexpected rise within the party and the challenges she faces as a newcomer.