Conservative Leadership Candidates Speak at Conference

The Conservative Party's leadership candidates, Tom Tugendhat, James Cleverly, Robert Jenrick, and Kemi Badenoch, delivered their final pitches during the party conference on October 2, focusing on optimism, economic policies, and the future of the party following a general election loss in July. Frontrunner Robert Jenrick proposed the need for a 'new Conservative Party' to address significant challenges, while Tugendhat called for a 'new Conservative revolution'. Criticism arose for Jenrick's controversial remarks regarding UK special forces, which he made just before his speech. The conference has seen lower attendance, with notable figures like Michael Gove and George Osborne present primarily for commentary rather than participation. Polls indicate that a significant portion of the electorate is indifferent to the leadership contest, highlighting the complexities candidates face in appealing to both party members and MPs. As the conference closes, the candidates' speeches are pivotal in shaping the future leadership direction of the party.