At the time of writing, there will be 10 names on the ballot to become the Next Conservative Party Leader and, by default barring a successful vote of no confidence to be proposed by Labour, the next Prime Minister of the UK. Let’s take a look at the leading runners and riders who are bidding to make it into the final two to be voted on by Tory Party members.
Boris Johnson
The bookies favourite again, despite falling by the wayside last time. He’s a Marmite figure who fiercely divides opinion. He’s not well liked among MPs and almost all of his rivals have attacked his trustworthiness already. But he does seem to have a loyal following among the general party faithful so would probably win if getting as far as the last two. On balance, the best 8/13 with Betfred probably isn’t overly generous.
Jeremy Hunt
Managed to alienate almost everyone in the NHS in his time as Health Secretary. Succeeded Boris Johnson as Foreign Secretary. The MP for South West Surrey has attracted the support of party heavyweights Amber Rudd, a confirmed Remainer, and Brexiteer Penny Mordaunt so that’s a tick in the box of Conservatives who place party unity above national interests. His past is also not without controversy, however, especially in his role as a private landlord. He’s also thought to be too close to those who want to break up the NHS. Hunt is now no bigger than 6/1 with those odds being available with betfair among others.
Andrea Leadsom
It was probably her resignation that tipped Theresa May over the edge. That was the ultimate revenge with the ‘Maybot’ having nudged aside Mrs Leadsom in the last leadership election The former leader of the House has already upset Unionists by refusing to rule out a second Scottish Independence Referundum and she displays worrying Remain tendencies for some in her party. Also against her is the record of Britain’s two previous women prime ministers – is the country prepared to give it another go?. Nevertheless, the South Northamptonshire MP is third favourite in most lists (11/1 on betfair)
Michael Gove
Michael GoveDisplayed treachery of Brutus-like proportions when putting paid to Boris Johnson’s leadership challenge last time when he was supposed to be his supporter-in-chief. The boot has been on the other foot this year and confessions, after exposure, of drug-taking in a pre-politics career may have dealt the Environment Secretary a fatal blow with the party faithful. Support had been waning in any case and Gove is out to a general 16/1.
Rory Stewart
Rory StewartHas been the best backed of the outsiders having conducted a largely positive campaign to date. That said, his voting record in Parliament doesn’t exactly reflect what he’s been saying. Famously remembered for admitting to making up facts in an interview when he didn’t know his subject matter. He has been very dismissive of Boris Johnson as party leader – but who hasn’t? The MP for Penrith is much-travelled but domestic issues seem to leave him befuddled and he is still a best 25/1 with sportingbet among others.
For the sake of fairness, the other candidates are Sajid Javid (a best 25/1), Dominic Raab (40/1), Matthew Hancock (125/1), Ester Mcvey and Mark Harper (both 200/1).
Predictions
As we are being reminded often, this election rarely goes to the initial front-runner and most of the country would not want to see Boris Johnson as PM. Unfortunately, only a very small minority will get the final vote and they fall into a sub-section which might find some appeal in Johnson’s rhetoric. None of the candidates stand out but Jeremy Hunt may be the compromise that most Tories would accept.
