Priti Patel's Conservative Leadership Hopes Dashed

British Indian former home secretary Priti Patel was eliminated from the Conservative Party leadership race after receiving the least votes in the first round. Former immigration minister Robert Jenrick led the poll, followed by Kemi Badenoch. The final contenders will be decided after further rounds of voting.

Former home secretary Priti Patel's bid to succeed Rishi Sunak as Conservative Party leader was cut short on Wednesday after she received the least number of votes in the initial ballot.

Patel, 52, secured only 14 out of 121 votes, while former immigration minister Robert Jenrick led with 28 votes. Shadow communities secretary Kemi Badenoch followed closely with 22 votes. Next week, the competition will further narrow down with candidates James Cleverly, Tom Tugendhat, and Mel Stride also in the running.

The final two candidates will emerge after scrutinizing further rounds, leading up to an online ballot for the wider Tory membership. The new leader is set to replace Rishi Sunak as acting Opposition Leader on November 2.

(With inputs from agencies.)