Robert Jenrick has revealed his first course of action if he becomes the next leader of the Conservative Party—and it’s sparking concern. The MP for Newark, who is vying for the leadership against Kemi Badenoch, has outlined plans that could drastically shift the party’s direction.
With the Conservative leadership race nearing its end, Jenrick has promised to focus on two controversial policies if elected. He has proposed withdrawing the UK from the European Convention on Human Rights and slashing the foreign aid budget. These moves aim to win back votes lost to Reform UK in the last general election.
Jenrick’s policy plans mark a stark shift from his earlier image. First elected to the Commons in 2014, he was initially considered a moderate and was given the nickname “Robert Generic” for his lack of strong political stances. However, in recent years, he has shifted further to the right, aligning with more conservative viewpoints within the party.
Taking to social media this week, Jenrick revealed that his first act as leader would be to appoint Jacob Rees-Mogg as the new Chairman of the Conservative Party. Rees-Mogg, a prominent figure on the right, would be tasked with “reforming and democratising” the party, according to Jenrick. This move is seen as an effort to appeal to the party’s more traditional base.
With Badenoch currently leading the polls, Jenrick faces an uphill battle in the leadership contest, which concludes on Saturday, 2 November 2024. However, his plans to reshape the Conservative Party’s future signal a significant shift in its strategy if he emerges victorious.
Critics have expressed concern that Jenrick’s proposed policies could alienate centrist voters and drive the party further to the political right. As the leadership race draws to a close, the direction of the Conservative Party hangs in the balance.
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