Amid speculations of challenges against Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, senior Conservative figures like Penny Mordaunt and Kemi Badenoch are rumored to be contemplating leadership bids, while the upcoming local elections may influence Tory leadership dynamics.
Commons Leader Penny Mordaunt has reportedly been involved in “detailed discussions” with senior right-wing figures addressing potential leadership strategies and issues such as trans rights. These discussions come amidst rumours of challenges against Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, although Mordaunt has denied involvement in any plots against him. Allies close to her emphasize her current focus on supporting local candidates in upcoming elections.
Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch, another prominent Tory figure, is also viewed as a potential future leader but reportedly plans to wait until post-general election to consider leadership bids. As council elections in England and Wales approach, the results are expected to influence the Conservative Party’s future leadership dynamics.
In the recent buildup to the local elections, the Conservative Party has faced criticism for allegedly using government announcements for campaign purposes, thus breaching the “purdah” convention, which separates government communication from party politics. Critics argue that such actions blur the lines between practical governance and electoral campaigning, particularly concerning policies like the treatment of asylum seekers and immigration controls.
Meanwhile, London Mayor Sadiq Khan has criticized the Conservative government, accusing them of deliberately undermining his administration and jeopardizing London’s interests to gain political leverage. Khan, seeking a third term, has particularly criticized Conservative candidate Susan Hall and expressed concern over the potential consequences of her election.
The political atmosphere in London continues to be charged with Mayor Khan also responding to comments from former Conservative deputy chairman and now Reform UK MP Lee Anderson. Anderson, suspended by the Conservative party for alleged Islamophobic comments about Khan, claimed Khan was adverse to British heritage and culture, which Khan labelled as contributing to hate crime and division.
