This is the 3rd leadership election I have experienced as an MP, though it is the first one I have been actively involved with.
Last weekend I took the decision to resign as Deputy Chairman of the Conservative Party. A position I loved but I had no choice. Those connected to CCHQ must remain neutral in the leadership contest as it is CCHQ who organise and run the ballot. However, I wasn’t elected to sit on a fence, and I knew who I wanted to proactively support.
My choice from the very beginning was Kemi Badenoch. Perhaps a surprise as she wasn’t an ‘established name’, but I had seen first-hand how impressive she has been as a Minister at the Despatch Box, in Select Committees and inter-Ministerial meetings. She is engaging, commanding, and willing to challenge the consensus - a breath of fresh air.
I am all in so this week I have been heavily involved in her campaign.
Once a candidate declares they are standing, a core team is quickly assembled to provide support for their candidate – it’s fair to say that some candidates & their teams are more prepared than others. Key roles include reaching out to colleagues as Conservative MPs whittle the hopefuls down to the final two and preparing for the numerous Parliamentary hustings and exhaustive media rounds.
When Kemi declared, there was an initial presumption she would not make the first nomination threshold of 20 MP’s. Unlike others, she had no fancy website or campaign video. This really was a launch from a standing start!
Colleagues shared my view on her ability as a Minister and there was a good mix of intrigue and goodwill, making them receptive to meeting her personally. These one-to-one meetings are crucial - some had policy queries, others want details on how the candidate would appeal to their constituents, and unfortunately, some focus on how their own personal ambitions might be met in return for their support. Thankfully Kemi only focuses on policy and winning respective seats – she will be judged on that alone.
Many colleagues quickly declare having known or worked with their chosen candidate. Others attend the hustings and meet with some, or even all of the candidates before deciding. It’s fair to say that those undeclared are repeatedly contacted by the respective teams!
Quickly the list of Kemi’s supporters grew, and we comfortably reached the nomination threshold with 3 or 4 potential candidates falling at the first hurdle. Then it was a frantic chase for supporters for the first vote. Not only would the bottom candidate be eliminated, but also those with any less than 30 supporters.
The 1st round results were announced live on TV and Kemi secured 40 votes, well above expectations, the threshold and ahead of Tom Tugenhat, Nadhim Zahawi, Suella Braverman and Jeremy Hunt. Nadhim and Jeremy were eliminated. I was quickly onto the national media round; we had a real spring in our step to have overtaken these strong and established candidates. All eyes were now on where their supporters would go for the 2nd round of votes on Thursday.
Yesterday we were asking ourselves could we make it through? At 3pm again live on TV we had gained votes from another 9 colleagues, providing crucial upward momentum whilst both Tom Tugenhat and Suella Braverman dropped support and Suella was the latest to be eliminated.
It’s been a frantic though enjoyable week – roll on the TV hustings over the weekend and the 3rd round on Monday!
