UK politics live: Huge boost to Cleverly’s Tory leadership bid after shock vote win as Tugendhat eliminated
James Cleverly soars ahead in Tory leadership race after Tom Tugendhat knock out
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Tom Tugendhat has been eliminated from the Conservative leadership contest, paving the way for James Cleverly, who has received a significant boost in support.
The former security minister, who was previously viewed as a strong contender, failed to win over enough backing from parliamentary colleagues to make it to the final three, garnering only 20 votes.
James Cleverly topped the third ballot with a notable rise in support, securing 39 votes from Tory MPs. This shift in momentum places him as a frontrunner as the race intensifies.
Meanwhile, Robert Jenrick remains a key player in the contest with 31 of the votes. Kemi Badenoch closely trails with 30 votes, reflecting a tight race among the remaining candidates.
With the final two candidates set to be announced in another ballot on Wednesday, Tory members will have the chance to vote in an online ballot from 10 to 31 October.
It comes as the Conservatives narrowed Labour’s lead to just one point, raising alarms for Sir Keir Starmer’s party months after its sweeping election victory.
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Plans to invest £500m to build hundreds of electric buses announced by operator
Bus operator Go-Ahead has announced plans to invest half-a-billion pounds to build hundreds of UK-made electric buses to decarbonise its fleet.
The firm’s investment is expected to support 500 manufacturing jobs as well as create a dedicated manufacturing line and partnership with Northern Ireland-based bus maker Wrightbus.
Plans involve funding up to 1,200 new zero-emission buses over the next three years to help accelerate the transition to greener transport in areas such as Plymouth, Gloucestershire, East Yorkshire, London and the Isle of Wight.
The Department for Transport (DfT) said the investment will also support an additional 2,000 jobs across the wider UK supply chain by 2026.
To coincide with the announcement, Transport Secretary Louise Haigh is set to meet industry leaders on Tuesday, including Wrightbus owner Jo Bamford and chief executive Jean-Marc Gales.
She plans to reiterate the Government’s commitment to decarbonising local transport, supporting jobs and fostering an environment for investment in UK manufacturing, the DfT said.
Scottish Government to give grants to projects that support impoverished people
The Scottish Government is awarding grants of up to £80,000 to 12 local projects that support families in poverty around the country.
The grant will help families access health services, budgeting advice, and support employees.
It comes as part of this year’s programme for government and ties in with Challenge Poverty Week 2024.
First Minister John Swinney is expected to welcome the announcement to CentreStage, a performing arts charity in Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire, on Tuesday.
He will also meet with people with experience of poverty at Bute House later in the day, before leading a parliamentary debate on the topic.
Government faces criticism for £22 billion spend on carbon capture projects
The Government has been criticised for spending billions on carbon capture and storage projects while it continues with its plans to means-test the winter fuel allowance.
Reform UK’s Richard Tice argued that millions of pensioners will view the decision to spend £22 billion on renewable energy as “absolutely extraordinary”.
Meanwhile, Tory former minister Andrew Murrison said the Chancellor’s decision to “magic” up money to fund the projects is surprising due to her recent focus on financial “black holes”.
This comes after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced the plans to develop projects to capture and store carbon emissions from energy, industry and hydrogen production at a glassmaking factory in Cheshire last week, alongside Energy Secretary Ed Miliband and Rachel Reeves.
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