Former security minister Tom Tugendhat declares his candidacy for conservative party leader, joining James Cleverly in the race to replace Rishi Sunak

Tom Tugendhat, the former security minister and current MP for Tonbridge, has officially entered the race to succeed Rishi Sunak as leader of the Conservative Party. His announcement positions him as the second candidate to formally declare, following James Cleverly’s earlier declaration.

Nominations for the Tory leadership contest opened recently, with Tugendhat joining a growing list of potential contenders. Alongside Cleverly, the candidates who have reportedly picked up nomination paperwork include Suella Braverman, Priti Patel, Mel Stride, Kemi Badenoch, and Robert Jenrick. The competition will continue until early November, when a new Conservative leader will be announced.

Tugendhat, who previously ran for the leadership in 2022, brings a background marked by his role as the chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee and his military service. His candidacy is notable for his strong stance on national security, particularly his hawkish views on China and Iran. In a recent op-ed for The Telegraph, Tugendhat criticized the previous government for failing to maintain public trust and deliver on key promises, such as lowering taxes and controlling immigration.

Tugendhat emphasized that his leadership would focus on restoring the party’s credibility and fulfilling the commitments made to voters. He criticized the previous administration for its perceived failure to act on its promises, which he argues led to the party’s loss of trust among the electorate. He is determined to address what he sees as the party’s shortcomings and has outlined a vision that includes leaving the European Convention on Human Rights if necessary, bolstering national security, and ensuring that energy security and household bills are prioritized.

In his bid for leadership, Tugendhat has vowed to adhere to the principle of keeping promises, a value he upholds from his military and political career. He highlighted his track record of standing up to threats and fulfilling his commitments, both in the field and in government roles. His plan is to lead the Conservatives to victory in the next general election and restore the party’s reputation for reliability and effectiveness.

The Guardian

Tom Tugendhat has entered the Conservative leadership race, positioning himself as a right-leaning candidate by suggesting he might be willing to leave the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). This stance marks a significant shift from his previous warnings about the potential negative impacts of such a move on the Good Friday Agreement and other treaties.

Tugendhat, a former security minister and MP for Tonbridge and Malling, joins James Cleverly as the second official candidate. He aims to appeal to the Conservative grassroots, who have often favoured more right-wing candidates in recent leadership contests. In his bid, Tugendhat has also emphasized increasing defense spending to 3% of GDP and criticized the party’s failure to deliver on promises regarding lower taxes and reduced immigration, attributing the loss of trust in the Tories to these unfulfilled commitments.

Despite being considered part of the party’s centrist faction, Tugendhat’s latest positions on border control, gender identity, and net-zero policies reflect an effort to align with the party’s right wing. He has framed his campaign around regaining trust with the electorate and is committed to winning the next general election.

The leadership race will see nominations close next week, with a shortlist of four candidates presented at the Conservative party conference in October. MPs will then select two candidates to be voted on by the party membership, with the new leader expected to be announced on November 2.

The Telegraph

In his pitch to become the next Conservative leader and prime minister, Tom Tugendhat emphasizes the importance of trust and keeping promises. He argues that the Conservative Party’s failure to deliver on its promises—such as lower taxes, reduced immigration, and greater control for the public—was a key factor in its electoral defeat.

Tugendhat positions himself as a candidate committed to straightforward Conservative principles, focusing on issues like border control, national security, and economic management. He proposes significant increases in defence spending, opposes unnecessary regulation, and advocates for practical solutions to issues like energy security and tax policy.

He contrasts his vision with the current Labour government’s perceived disarray and policy expansionism. Tugendhat promises to restore trust by adhering to Conservative values and effectively addressing the public’s concerns. He underscores his track record of service and commitment to his promises as key qualifications for leading the party and winning the next general election.

Sky News

Tom Tugendhat has officially entered the race to succeed Rishi Sunak as the Conservative Party leader. He becomes the second candidate to announce his bid after James Cleverly. Other potential candidates include Suella Braverman, Priti Patel, Mel Stride, Kemi Badenoch, and Robert Jenrick.

Tugendhat, known for his role as a former security minister and chair of the foreign affairs select committee, is pitching himself as a candidate who will restore trust in the Conservative Party. He emphasizes a return to fundamental Conservative principles, including lower taxes, reduced immigration, and increased national security.

He has notably expressed a willingness to leave the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) if it hinders the UK’s ability to control its borders, a stance that aligns with the more right-wing elements of the party.

Tugendhat’s campaign is framed around a commitment to keep promises and address issues like tax policy, defence spending, and energy security. He believes that by adhering to these principles and focusing on regaining the public’s trust, the Conservative Party can secure victory in the next general election.