Conservatives set to use their party conference 'to hold hustings' between the final two leadership candidates - as Rishi Sunak set to stay on as Tory leader until the Autumn
The Conservatives are set to use their party conference to hold hustings between the final two leadership candidates.
Senior Tories will meet tomorrow in a bid to finalise the timetable for the contest, and are expected to fire the starting gun for nominations within days.
Candidates will reportedly spend the summer setting out their pitches before MPs whittle them down to just two in September.
Hustings would be held during the party's annual conference in Birmingham, which starts on September 29, before members are given a vote.
A source from the 1922 Committee of Conservative backbenchers last night insisted that 'all options' remained on the table.
Senior Tories will meet tomorrow in a bid to finalise the timetable for the contest, and are expected to fire the starting gun for nominations within days. Pictured: Rishi Sunak (centre) meeting with members of the 1922 Committee in the Houses of Parliament
Rishi Sunak has indicated that he is happy to stay on as leader for a short period, but is waiting for the 1922 Committee to set out a timetable for the contest before deciding when to stand down
The committee's executive is expected to meet again today before discussing the contest with the party board tomorrow.
Leadership contenders have already begun trying to win over the support of colleagues, hosting 'at home' drinks receptions and canvassing support over coffees in Parliament.
MPs expected to throw their hat in the ring include Kemi Badenoch, Suella Braverman, Priti Patel, Tom Tugendhat, Robert Jenrick and James Cleverly.
Rishi Sunak has indicated that he is happy to stay on as leader for a short period, but is waiting for the 1922 Committee to set out a timetable for the contest before deciding when to stand down.
Yesterday, 1922 Committee treasurer Sir Geofrey Clifton-Brown said party members would have the final say on the next Tory leader.
He also said there was a need to act 'with some speed, not undue haste', telling GB News: 'Firstly, we are the official opposition, so we need a leader in Parliament that can start to do Prime Minister's Questions and have a permanent team so that every stage we are challenging this new government.
Former Home Secretary Priti Patel (pictured) is expected to throw her hat in the ring for Tory leadership
Kemi Badenoch (pictured) is expected to put herself forward for Conservative party leader
James Cleverly (pictured) is also expected to put himself forward as the next leader of the Conservative party
Suella Braverman (pictured) is also expected to put herself forward as a leadership contender
'But more importantly than that, I think there needs to be somebody amongst our own members and our own Members of Parliament who will actually start to lead us in the direction that he or she wishes to go, leading up of course until the next election .'
The Times reported that there are concerns the party will face significant financial difficulties if the contest drags on, with donors likely to hold off giving money until Mr Sunak's successor has been chosen.
But several senior figures have warned the party not to rush into a leadership election even if it means appointing an interim leader — arguing that prospective candidates should be tested by members during the autumn conference.
While some urged Mr Sunak to remain in post as leader of the opposition until a successor is chosen, others pointed to the example of Harriet Harman, who took on the interim Labour leader role in 2010 and 2015 while the next leader was decided.
Former Business Secretary Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg said: 'There is no rush, no one will be listening to the Conservatives for a bit so having a final debate at the Party Conference could be about the right time with a vote completed shortly afterwards.'
Another ex-minister currently on the Tory backbenchers said: 'I don't think we should rush this. My preference is for us to caucus for a bit and see who emerges as the favourites rather than rush into an ungainly multiple-candidate circular firing squad.
'We could have an interim leader if needed. Labour did it with Harriet Harman. It's not a big deal in the grand scheme of things.'
Alexander Stafford, former party vice-chair, said: 'With Labour's support relatively skin deep, there is every chance of us winning in 2029 with the right leader. The wrong leader might lead to us being pushed out of even being the Official Opposition.
'It's crucial we try and test all candidates.'
