Tory ‘wets’ threaten to BOYCOTT leadership vote in protest after James Cleverly fails to make final two
Moderate Conservatives are considering boycotting their ballots after Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick emerged as the final two candidates in the race for Tory leadership.
A supporter of James Cleverly revealed that some centrist members have said they are “throwing their ballot papers away” after their preferred candidate, seen as the most centrist option, was unexpectedly eliminated.
Both Jenrick and Badenoch are viewed as being on the party’s Right, with Jenrick advocating withdrawal from the European Convention on Human Rights and Badenoch opposing “woke” policies.
The situation risks deepening divisions within the party, as centrist members feel sidelined in shaping its future direction.
Cleverly is reportedly not planning to endorse either candidate.
Following Cleverly’s elimination, a blame game erupted on Wednesday.
Angry Tories have accused MPs of “freelancing” and engaging in misguided tactical voting.
Others have directed their frustration at Grant Shapps, Cleverly’s campaign manager.
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Sue Gray skips first council of nations and regions despite new role
Sue Gray will not attend the Prime Minister’s council of nations and regions despite her new title as special envoy.
Sir Keir Starmer’s former chief-of-staff is understood to be taking a break between her roles after finding herself the centre of media attention.
Cabinet Office minister Pat McFadden said Gray had “been through quite a lot” and would be taking some time out.
Focused on investment and growth, the Council will see First Ministers and Deputy First Minister from the Devolved Governments come together with regional mayors to collaborate and seize opportunities to secure long-term investment and boost growth.
The First Minister of Wales, Eluned Morgan, will join the Prime Minister, the First Minister of Scotland, the First Minister and deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland and regional mayors from England for the event.
Dispute erupts over claims Rachel Reeves may raise capital gains tax to 39%
Rachel Reeves
GB News
Rachel Reeves has been warned that a significant increase in capital gains tax could jeopardise her ambitions for fostering economic growth.
This warning comes amid controversy regarding claims that the Chancellor has instructed Treasury officials to assess capital gains tax rates of 39 per cent and 33 per cent, considerably higher than the second home rate of 24 per cent.
Although those close to Reeves have attempted to downplay rumours surrounding the Budget and accusations of disorganisation, these concerns have surfaced during a period of heightened scrutiny for both the Chancellor and Sir Keir Starmer.
Time is running out for Reeves to plug a £25bn gap in spending commitments and available financing identified by the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS).
Jenrick refutes claims of shifting to the political centre if he becomes leader
Robert JenrickPA
Robert Jenrick has denied a claim he privately told Conservative MPs that he would guide the Tories back to the political centre ground if he becomes leader.
A shadow cabinet member alleged that Jenrick had “assured me he would move toward the centre” and suspected he had conveyed a similar message to other MPs, according to the i newspaper.
There has been some concerns raised by moderate Tories that the leadership competition is between two candidates who are on the Right of the Party.
Asked if he had promised anyone that he would return to the centre if he became leader, Jenrick said: “I haven’t said that, no. But let me just address the broader point that it raises because there are those who say that the Conservative Party, were I to lead it, is going to shift to the Right.
“I actually don’t see these labels as at all relevant. What I want to see is the Conservative Party occupy what I describe as the common ground of British politics. Those are the things that millions of our fellow citizens care about,” he told the BBC.
Economy grows in August after two flat months
The UK economy grew in August after it was flat in the previous two months, according to the latest official figures.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said gross domestic product (GDP) recorded 0.2 per cent growth in August, up from no growth in June or July.
It was in line with economist predictions but is nevertheless a boost for Chancellor Rachel Reeves ahead of this month’s autumn Budget.
ONS director of economic statistics Liz McKeown said: “All main sectors of the economy grew in August, but the broader picture is one of slowing growth in recent months, compared to the first half of the year.
“In August, accountancy, retail and many manufacturers had strong months while construction also recovered from July’s contraction.
“These were partially offset by falls in wholesaling and oil extraction.”
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