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Could Tonbridge MP be the Next Conservative Leader?

Wednesday, 24 July 2024 22:59

By Nigel Peacock X @westkentradio

Tom Tugendhart throws his hat into the ring

Tonbridge MP Tom Tugendhart is making a second attempt to become Conservative Party leader, in what is expected to be a competitive and perhaps brutal few weeks.

Nominations opened on Wednesday, with several Conservatives making the first hurdle with a total of ten supporters each.

The initial knockout rounds will take the number of contenders down to four, during September, ahead of the party conference. The four will present their cases at conference and MPs will vote for the final two.

The winner will be decided by party members through an online vote, which closes on 31 October.

Tom Tugendhart has been the Member of Parliament for Tonbridge, formally known as Tonbridge & Malling since 2015 and previously held the position of Minister of State for Security, a cabinet appointment.

He served in the British Army seeing service in Iraq and Afghanistan. When Boris Johnson resigned, he stood for the leadership, in the contest which produced Liz Truss and leader and Prime Minister. 

He is currently the Shadow Minster for Security.

According to some bookies, Tugendhart is expected to make it to the final pair.

The election of the new leader will be announced on 2 November.

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