Race for Conservative Party Leadership Heats Up

Six British lawmakers have announced their candidacy to lead the Conservative Party following its recent electoral defeat. The field includes figures from both the party's centrist and right-wing factions. The new leader, to be announced on November 2, will determine the party's direction amid calls for unity and renewed focus.

Six British lawmakers have declared their intentions to run for the leadership of the Conservative Party, aiming to rejuvenate the party after a significant electoral defeat. As the Monday deadline approaches, the candidates are positioning themselves either towards the political center or the right wing.

The candidates include former Foreign Secretary James Cleverly, centrist Tom Tugendhat, right-wing favorites Priti Patel and Kemi Badenoch, and others who have secured the necessary support from fellow Conservative lawmakers. This internal election will shape the party's future direction and strategy.

Badenoch, the bookmakers' early favorite, champions a smaller state and renewed capitalist principles. The new leader will be decided by an online vote after a series of eliminations and speeches at the annual October conference, filling the role left vacant by Rishi Sunak following the party's worst-ever electoral outcome.

(With inputs from agencies.)