As the Conservative Party Conference commences this week, much of the attention will be centred around the MPs in the running to become the next party leader. Those left in the running include: Tom Tugendhat MP, James Cleverly MP, Kemi Badenoch MP, and Robert Jenrick MP.
In this exclusive op-ed from Siobhan Aarons, Chair of the TRG, she discusses what she wants to see from this contest.
Siobhan Aarons
Chair of the Tory Reform GroupFor the Tory Reform Group (TRG), this Conservative leadership contest is about far more than selecting a new leader—it’s about addressing the deeper challenges that have undermined the party for years and setting out a clear, sustainable plan for its future.
At the heart of our vision is One Nation Conservatism, a belief that the party wins from the centre ground but that it must remain a broad church, offering pragmatic, inclusive solutions that resonate with voters from all walks of life. Candidates like Tom Tugendhat, with his call for a fresh start, and James Cleverly, who offers deep experience and stability, present different but valuable approaches.
The TRG is looking at the candidates to go beyond surface-level solutions and their individual strengths; they must demonstrate how they’ll unite the party, rebuild its infrastructure and offer a compelling vision that engages all wings of the Conservative Party. This is why it was disappointing that when we invited all candidates to send us a statement Kemi Badenoch did not provide a specific response to our members – though her team did note her focus on renewal before policy – and that Robert Jenrick did not respond at all.
At a time when engagement and transparency are more crucial than ever, we are looking for a leader who can once again broaden the party’s appeal, restore credibility and steer us toward a stronger, more inclusive future, providing the competent political leadership that the country desperately needs.
For more of Chamber UK’s analysis on the Conservative Party Leadership election, stay tuned and click here.