Robert Jenrick has joined the race to run for leadership of the Conservative Party.
The former minister is the third Conservative to throw his hat into the ring to replace Rishi Sunak as party leader after he stepped down following a devastating defeat in the general elections three weeks ago.
Jenrick, 42, served as immigration minister and health minister, as well as housing, communities and local government secretary.
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The deputy, who moved to the right of the party on migration, promised to win back reformist voters and unite conservatives.
Tiago Intelligently It is Tom Tugendhat also announced that they are competing in the contest after nominations opened on Wednesday night.
Nominees must have 10 supporters to submit their work to participate in the race.
Jenrick’s campaign manager, MP Danny Kruger, confirmed he filed Jenrick’s nomination papers on Thursday morning.
He said: “To have any path back to government, we must win back the voters we lost – in general, but particularly to Reform.
“At the same time, we must unite our party, united around a set of coherent conservative principles.
“The British people need to be convinced that we are the most responsible and competent party in government if we are to have any chance of winning in 2029, especially when we know that Labor is doomed to fail on so many issues important to our country.
“Rob Jenrick will do that. He has the energy, temperament and political agenda to take on our rivals and return us to power in five years.”
See more information:
Tom Tugendhat enters race to replace Sunak
James Cleverly kicks off Conservative leadership race
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Jenrick was an ally of Sunak but resigned from his cabinet in December, arguing that Rwanda’s plan to deter illegal immigration did not go far enough.
Four other Conservative MPs received nomination papers: Priti Patel, Kemi Badenoch, Mel Stride and Suella Braverman.
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