BRIT POLITICS:About British Political Parties:Spotlight on the Conservative Party:Conservative Leadership Contenders 2016

Prime Minister Theresa May & the 2016 Conservative Leadership Contest

Following the resignation of David Cameron, after the UK voted to leave the European Union, the search was on for a new leader of the Conservative Party. 

The two remaining candidates, who would also become Prime Minister, were Theresa May and Andrea Leadsom. In a shock twist just as the campaigns were starting to woo the membership Mrs Leadsom withdrew from the race. Graham Brady, Chair of the 1922 Committee, which oversees the election process announced that there would be no re-run of the contest, effectively making Mrs May the next UK Prime Minister. Mrs May will become Prime Minister on Wednesday 13th July after David Cameron has chaired his last Cabinet meeting and held his last Prime Minister's Question Time.

Timetable for getting the new PM in place

Nominations closed on Thursday 30th June and it was expected that the new leader would be in place by 9th September at the latest. The parliamentary party whittled the five candidates down to two, starting on 5th July. The two frontrunners would have been put out to the 125,000+ membership for a vote. Now as there is only one contender this will not happen. David Cameron was of course expecting to have more time to firstly pack but also if some are to be believed finish some legacy work. 

The next steps are ones of constitutional process. The Queen has to formally i.e. in person accept the resignation of David Cameron and accept his recommendation of Theresa May to lead her government. Once this has happened Mrs May will become the 13th Prime Minister during Queen Elizabeth II's reign and will be approved formally at Buckingham Palace.

The 2016 Conservative Leadership Contest

The Declared Candidates - Overview

The first to declare his intention to stand was Stephen Crabb, current Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, followed by former Defence Secretary Dr Liam Fox. The Thursday saw the surprise nomination from Michael Gove, Justice Secretary, Andrea Leadsom, Energy Minister and current Home Secretary Theresa May.

Who changed their mind?

Nicky Morgan, Education Secretary was quick out of the blocks to say she was interested but withdrew her nomination to back Michael Gove. Jeremy Hunt, Health Secretary, also looked like he might join the group but this didn't materialise. The biggest shock was the decision by Boris Johnson MP, former Mayor of London, not to stand. During the referendum campaign many had turned on Mr Johnson saying that his decision to join the leave campaign was driven by personal ambitions to become the next Prime Minister.

Contender - Stephen Crabb - withdrew

He is currently the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions and took over the post following the resignation of Iain Duncan Smith. He was formerly the Welsh Secretary. He supported the Remain campaign during the referendum and is standing on a joint ticket with Business Secretary Sajid Javid. Much is being made of his 'working class'  background growing up on a council estate to a single mother.

Contender - Dr Liam Fox - fifth place

Liam Fox, a GP and chief 'brexiteer', was a former Defence Secretary who was forced to resign in 2011 after breaking the Ministerial Code. A Thatcherite on the right of the party, he also stood for the leadership of the conservative Party in 2005 which saw David Cameron elected. He has remained a vocal and visible member of the party for several years and as a Scot is seen as someone who can represent the union. 

Announcing his candidacy Dr Fox said "I come into this race with a great sense of optimism and confidence in Britain.' 

"In terms of the EU, we need to make it very clear we intend to honour the instruction given to us by the British people. We will leave the EU.

I don't believe the British public would accept the free movement in return for access to the Single Market. We need to have a more free-trade approach."

He said it would be "easier" if the next Prime Minister was a Brexiteer but insisted: "All the candidates have tremendous attributes they can bring to the country."

Contender - Michael Gove - 3rd Place

He is the current Justice Secretary and also served as Chief Whip and Education Secretary. 

Mr Gove was co-chairman of the Vote Leave Campaign and fronted many of the question time interviews to voice leaving the European Union. He formerly wrote for the Times newspaper and also has a Scottish background. 

On several occasions Mr Gove had said that he did not want to be Prime Minister so his announcement was greeted with some shock and is widely seen as the reason Boris Johnson did not stand. This may affect his chances amongst the Westminster MPs.

Michael Gove’s statement in full:

"The British people voted for change last Thursday. They sent us a clear instruction that they want Britain to leave the European Union and end the supremacy of EU law. They told us to restore democratic control of immigration policy and to spend their money on national priorities such as health, education and science instead of giving it to Brussels. They rejected politics as usual and government as usual. They want and need a new approach to running this country. 

"There are huge challenges ahead for this country but also huge opportunities. We can make this country stronger and fairer. We have a unique chance to heal divisions, give everyone a stake in the future and set an example as the most creative, innovative and progressive country in the world.

"If we are to make the most of the opportunities ahead we need a bold break with the past.

"I have repeatedly said that I do not want to be Prime Minister. That has always been my view. But events since last Thursday have weighed heavily with me.

"I respect and admire all the candidates running for the leadership. In particular, I wanted to help build a team behind Boris Johnson so that a politician who argued for leaving the European Union could lead us to a better future.

Contender - Andrea Leadsom - final two

Leadsom's Twitter Announcement