Truss and Sunak to Face Off in U.K. Conservative Party Leadership Contest

Strategic Insights -

Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak, two high-profile candidates, will engage in a closely contested battle for the leadership of the U.K.'s Conservative Party and the position of prime minister. Former Finance Minister Sunak has maintained his lead, securing 137 votes in the fifth round of voting among Conservative members of Parliament, while Foreign Secretary Truss came in second with 113 votes. This marked the end of Penny Mordaunt's run for the position, as she received the least support with 105 votes. The winner will be determined by a postal vote among the estimated 200,000 Conservative Party members, with the successful candidate automatically becoming prime minister.

Key Takeaways:

  • Rishi Sunak secured 137 votes in the fifth round of voting, maintaining his lead in the contest to succeed Boris Johnson as U.K. prime minister.
  • Liz Truss trailed behind Sunak with 113 votes, with Penny Mordaunt receiving 105 votes and being eliminated from the contest.
  • The Conservative Party membership, estimated at 200,000, will decide the winner through a postal vote.
  • Rishi Sunak has faced criticism for his handling of COVID-19 lockdown measures and various other issues under Boris Johnson's leadership.
  • Liz Truss has been criticized for proposals to change the Bank of England's mandate and introducing tax cuts.
  • A recent YouGov poll among Conservative Party members showed that more than half (52%) consider personality the top trait when electing a new leader.
  • The Labour Party is seen beating the Conservative Party in a general election, according to a recent survey.

Statistics:

  • 137 votes: Rishi Sunak's vote count in the fifth round of voting.
  • 113 votes: Liz Truss's vote count in the fifth round of voting.
  • 105 votes: Penny Mordaunt's vote count, which marked her elimination from the contest.
  • 200,000: Estimated number of Conservative Party members who will decide the winner through a postal vote.
  • 52%: Percentage of Conservative Party members who consider personality the top trait when electing a new leader.
  • 32%: Percentage of Conservative Party members who cite conventional conservative policies as a top trait.
  • 19%: Percentage of Conservative Party members who reference delivering Brexit as a top trait.

Sources:

  • CNBC, "Liz Truss will face Rishi Sunak in the final round of a closely fought race to succeed Boris Johnson as U.K. prime minister."
  • YouGov poll, referenced in CNBC article.