Conservative Party Leadership Battle: Who Will Succeed Rishi Sunak?

The UK's Conservative Party is in the process of selecting a new leader to replace former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Six candidates have been nominated. The party's lawmakers will narrow the field to two candidates by November 2, when Sunak's successor will be announced. Key candidates include Kemi Badenoch, James Cleverly, Robert Jenrick, Priti Patel, Mel Stride, and Tom Tugendhat.

Britain's opposition Conservatives have set the wheels in motion for choosing a new leader to replace Rishi Sunak, following a historic defeat in the July 4 election. Six candidates were able to garner sufficient support by Monday's 1330 GMT deadline, the party confirmed.

Party lawmakers will vote on Sept. 4 to whittle down the candidates to four, with subsequent ballots on Oct. 9 and Oct. 10 to reduce the field to two. The final two candidates will face a vote by all party members, with the new leader to be announced on Nov. 2. Sunak will remain acting leader until then.

Among the contenders are Kemi Badenoch, James Cleverly, Robert Jenrick, Priti Patel, Mel Stride, and Tom Tugendhat, each bringing diverse political backgrounds and experiences to the fray.

(With inputs from agencies.)