Conservative Showdown: Badenoch vs. Jenrick

Former ministers Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick face off in the final round of the Conservative Party leadership contest. The winner, to be announced on Nov. 2, will aim to revive the party post its July election defeat. Each candidate offers differing approaches to immigration policy.

LONDON - Two right-wing former ministers are set to compete for leadership of the Conservative Party, with members choosing between Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick. This final round is pivotal for shaping Britain's political landscape.

The penultimate voting round saw Badenoch leading among Conservative lawmakers, securing 42 of 120 votes, closely followed by Jenrick with 41 votes. James Cleverly, victorious in a previous round, was unexpectedly eliminated with 37 votes. The new leader will face the challenge of revitalizing the party after a devastating July election loss to Labour.

Both candidates pledge to mend the party's divisions and reset its core conservative principles, diverging primarily on immigration strategies. Jenrick advocates leaving the European Convention of Human Rights, while Badenoch believes immigration issues can be addressed without such measures.

(With inputs from agencies.)