British Indian former Home Secretary Priti Patel is one of six candidates vying to succeed Rishi Sunak as leader of the Conservative Party and Opposition Leader, as the UK Parliament reconvened after its summer recess on Monday.
At 52, Patel is competing against fellow former Cabinet ministers Kemi Badenoch, James Cleverly, Tom Tugendhat, Robert Kenrick, and Mel Stride. The first round of voting is scheduled for Wednesday, during which the candidate with the least support from Conservative MPs will be eliminated. This leadership contest was initiated following the Conservatives’ significant defeat to Labour, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, in the July 4 general election, which prompted Sunak to resign.
In her campaign launch, Patel emphasized her optimism and clear objectives, stating, “It’s time to move on and to move forward. I am an optimist with clear goals, and I will revive our party so we can provide the leadership our great country needs.” Her campaign slogan, “unite to win,” reflects her vision for the party’s future.
Highlighting her record as Home Secretary, Patel pointed to increased police numbers and reforms in immigration and domestic abuse support. She also shared personal anecdotes about her childhood, including memories of family picnics featuring Indian rice and chapatis, which she fondly recalled.
As the Tory MPs prepare to narrow the candidate field this week, Patel faces a challenging path ahead. The final two candidates will be determined for an online vote by the broader Conservative membership, with results expected on November 2. Other candidates, including Badenoch and Cleverly, have also articulated their visions for party renewal and unity while criticizing Labour’s tax policies and the Conservative record over the past 14 years.
