Two leading contenders for Conservative party leader, Kemi Badenoch and James Cleverly, have criticized their rivals for suggesting the UK should leave the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) as the leadership race intensifies. Badenoch and Cleverly launched their campaigns in London, rejecting the idea of leaving the ECHR as an “easy answer” to issues with migration and asylum seeking. They emphasized the need to address the root causes of problems rather than making empty promises.
On the other hand, Robert Jenrick, another contender, argued that leaving the ECHR was necessary to expedite the removal of asylum seekers. He pointed out that reforming the ECHR could take decades and the public expected immediate action on the issue. The first round of voting to narrow down the candidates is expected to eliminate Mel Stride and possibly Priti Patel, with Jenrick, Badenoch, and Tom Tugendhat emerging as potential finalists.
Badenoch positioned herself as a candid and straightforward leader, while Cleverly focused on the importance of thoughtful and measured responses rather than aggressive rhetoric. The competition is heating up as candidates prepare for a crucial hustings event before the final two contenders are chosen by party members. With tensions rising and differing visions for the party’s future, the race for the Conservative leadership remains highly contested.
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