Priti Patel Among Contenders for Conservative Party Leadership

British Indian politician Priti Patel is vying to become the Conservative Party chief and Opposition Leader, following Rishi Sunak's resignation. She faces competition from five other ex-ministers. Patel emphasizes her achievements as former home secretary and highlights her background as a migrant facing racial challenges. Tory MPs will narrow down the candidates through voting rounds, with the final decision expected on November 2.

British Indian politician Priti Patel is among six candidates competing for the leadership of the Conservative Party and the position of Opposition Leader, following the resignation of Rishi Sunak. The UK Parliament resumed its session on Monday, setting the stage for an intense leadership battle.

Patel, 52, joins fellow former Tory Cabinet ministers Kemi Badenoch, James Cleverly, Tom Tugendhat, Robert Kenrick, and Mel Stride in the race. The first round of voting by party MPs is scheduled for Wednesday, where the candidate with the least support will be eliminated.

The leadership contest was triggered by the Conservative Party's defeat in the July 4 general election to Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Labour Party. Sunak will continue to serve as Opposition Leader until his successor is chosen.

In her campaign speech, Patel emphasized her commitment to party unity and highlighted her accomplishments as home secretary. "It's time to move on and to move forward. I am an optimist with clear goals, and I will revive our party so we can provide the leadership our great country needs," she said, promoting her slogan, "unite to win."

Patel also recounted her efforts in increasing police numbers, empowering crime victims, and reforming immigration policies during her tenure. She shared personal anecdotes about facing racism as a child after her family migrated from Uganda to the UK.

As the leadership race begins, the common themes among the contenders include calls for party renewal and criticism of Labour's policies. With voting rounds set to narrow the field, the Conservative Party aims to elect a new leader by November 2.

Meanwhile, the UK Parliament geared up for its regular schedule, including addressing recent riots and voting on bills related to public ownership of rail operators and the establishment of a new publicly owned energy company.

(With inputs from agencies.)