Senior Tory figures are currently at odds over the timetable for their leadership contest, leading to a lack of resolution on when a new leader will be selected. The executive of the 1922 Committee of backbenchers is set to meet again next week to discuss the matter further.
Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has emphasized the need for an interim leader before parliament’s recess if a longer contest is chosen. During a five-hour meeting held by the party board on Thursday, it was revealed that no firm timetable had been agreed upon by the 1922 Committee executive.
Party’s Official Statement
A Conservative party spokesperson commented:
“The party board met today and had a good discussion about the options for the leadership process presented by the 1922 executive committee. The committee will meet again and announce the leadership process next week.”
Bob Blackman, the newly elected chair of the 1922 Committee, explained that a proposal had been put forward for candidates to submit their nominations before August. This would give them the summer to publicly present their cases. MPs would then narrow down the candidates to two early in September, followed by member-voting, with the final hustings at the party conference and a leader announced thereafter.
Pressure for a Faster Contest
Some party members advocate for a faster contest due to financial concerns and the necessity of having a leader in place by the party conference to aid in fundraising efforts.
“There is no value in using that time for the old leader or to take chunks out of each other.”
— stated one Tory source.
While some MPs believe a longer contest with an interim leader is necessary, others, spurred by Sunak’s performance at the king’s speech debate, see the urgency for swift action. A number of MPs believe Sunak’s position is untenable due to his record in government and lack of authority to set a new direction or policy.
Concerns Over Prolonged Leadership Contest
A former MP expressed impatience with the process, warning that prolonging the contest allows Labour more time to establish their narrative. Conversely, other MPs argue for a longer contest to ensure the selection of a leader with the endurance to revitalize the party, similar to how Keir Starmer managed to recover the Labour Party after the Corbyn years.
As discussions continue, the executive of the 1922 Committee will reconvene next week to hopefully finalize a timetable. The outcome of these deliberations will determine whether the Conservative Party opts for a swift resolution or takes a more measured approach to find a leader capable of enduring the challenges ahead.