UK politics live: Tories begin latest leadership vote after cutting Starmer’s poll lead
Conservative members suggest James Cleverly is new favourite to challenge Robert Jenrick for top job
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Today marks a critical day in the race to replace Rishi Sunak as Tory leader, with Conservative MPs set to eliminate one of the four remaining candidates.
Following a morning hustings, MPs started to cast their votes this afternoon, cutting the field down to three ahead of another vote on Wednesday.
James Cleverly has been tipped as the frontrunner, bolstered by a key endorsement from former rival Mel Stride and a well-received speech at last week’s party conference, urging members to “sell Conservatism with a smile”.
His competitors, Kemi Badenoch, Tom Tugendhat and Robert Jenrick, are scrambling to secure the crucial 16 votes that became available after Mr Stride’s exit in the last round.
In a dramatic twist, the Conservatives have narrowed Labour’s lead to just one point, raising alarms for Sir Keir Starmer’s party months after its sweeping election victory.
The latest More in Common poll revealed the party now sits at 29 per cent, down one percentage point, while the Tories have gained two points, reaching 28 per cent.
This represents the smallest lead Labour has seen since the pollster began tracking voting intentions last year.
Keir Starmer takes aim at ‘malign’ Iran and vows never to ban all arms sales to Israel
Morgan McSweeney: Who is Sue Gray’s replacement and Labour election guru behind Keir Starmer’s rise to power?
The Budget will give the prime minister a chance to correct his mistakes
How has the team in Number 10 changed and what are the potential implications?
COMMENT | The fall of Sue Gray proves one thing, once and for all
...that too many cooks spoil the broth, writes Sean O’Grady. Or, to put it another way, why does the prime minister need a ‘chief of staff’ anyway?
The fall of Sue Gray proves one thing, once and for all
...that too many cooks spoil the broth, writes Sean O’Grady. Or, to put it another way, why does the prime minister need a ‘chief of staff’ anyway?
Tugendhat: I’m the only candidate who can win back country
Poll: Labour can’t rely on ethnic minority voters
Despite securing a significant majority in the last election, Labour’s grip on ethnic minority voters may be slipping.
A new report from the think tank UK in a Changing Europe has revealed that while ethnic minorities still lean left, voting 66 per cent for Labour, the Greens and the Liberal Democrats, this support can’t be taken for granted.
The pollster behind the study, James Kanagasooriam, highlighted a worrying trend. Labour’s appeal among these voters is more a historical legacy than a solid foundation.
He said: “Labour cannot rely on ethnic minority voters as a ‘bloc’ of support. It is true that the Labour Party still convinces a far greater proportion of minorities with ‘warm’ views of the party to vote for it than the Conservative Party does.
“But among many ethnic groups, there is a fundamental disjunction between opinion on the salient issues of the day and voting patterns.
“Our polling suggests that Labour support among ethnic minorities is an ossified cultural and historical legacy that could disappear very quickly.”
Pictured: Labour cabinet arrives at No 10 ahead of meeting
Tories urge Labour to pause VAT policy on private schools
Shadow education secretary Damian Hinds has called on the government to “pause” its plan to eliminate VAT exemptions for private school fees by January.
The Tory MP warned the government of potential repercussions. He emphasised the need for the government to publish its analysis regarding the impact of the policy on state schools.
Mr Hinds cautioned that removing these exemptions could displace students from private institutions, resulting in fewer choices for parents seeking preferred schools for their children.
He told Sky News that Labour must “rethink every aspect” of this policy if they are to avoid adverse consequences.
Mr Hinds added: “It means disruption for teachers, and it means ultimately more schools being full, and that means less chance of parent, of getting your preferred choice of school for your child.”
Pictured: Angela Rayner arrives at Downing Street
Poll: Labour’s lead slips one point
Labour’s position in the latest poll has dwindled, with its lead shrinking to one point as recent rows impact public perception.
According to More in Common, the party now sits at 29 per cent, a drop of one percentage point.
The Conservatives have gained two points, reaching 28 per cent.
Meanwhile, Reform UK continues to attract support, rising to 19 per cent, while Liberal Democrats have fallen to 11 per cent - down two points.
The Green Party has decreased to 7 per cent, down one point.
Coming up: Tory leadership candidates braced for crunch vote today
Today marks a critical moment for the Conservative Party as it holds a leadership vote that will narrow the field of candidates vying for Rishi Sunak’s successor.
Four contenders, Robert Jenrick, Kemi Badenoch, James Cleverly and Tom Tugnedhat, are competing for the chance to secure their party’ s future direction.
Mr Cleverly has gained momentum following a strong conference speech, securing Mel Stride’s endorsement.
By Wednesday, only two will remain, and party members will decide the winner.
James Cleverly wins backing of former rival in Tory leadership race
James Cleverly‘s hopes of becoming Tory leader have received a major boost ahead of another crucial vote by Conservative MPs today as a former rival endorsed his candidacy.
Mel Stride, who was eliminated in the last round, has come out in support of the former home and foreign secretary as momentum continues to build for him to succeed Mr Sunak.
In a message on X (formerly Twitter), Mr Stride said: “The Conservative Party needs to rebuild trust on economic competence, cutting migration and reforming public services. Strong, clear and measured. James has what it takes. “
Momentum for Mr Cleverly appears to have been building since his speech on the last day of the Tory conference energised the audience with his call for Conservatives to start “being normal again”.
Our politics team has the full story below:
James Cleverly wins backing of former rival in Tory leadership race
Former leadership candidate Mel Stride has come out in support of James Cleverly to take over from Rishi Sunak
Starmer to hold key cabinet meeting as Labour eyes reforms
Sir Keir Starmer will meet cabinet ministers today as his government prepares to unveil the October budget.
With the cost of living crisis, energy policy, and NHS reforms high on the agenda, the prime minister is expected to outline his strategy for delivering on Labour’s ambitious manifesto promises in a matter of weeks.
This cabinet meeting comes as Sir Keir seeks to solidify his leadership and demonstrate Labour’s readiness to address the challenges facing the nation.
Cabinet ministers will discuss immediate action plans while laying the groundwork for longer-term reforms.
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