Badenoch and Jenrick Face Off in Tory Leadership Battle

Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick advance as finalists in the Conservative Party leadership race. The contest aims to select Rishi Sunak's successor as party chief. Badenoch and Jenrick, both right-leaning Tories, advocate immigration control. Results are due November 2, but Sunak urges party unity amidst division.

On Wednesday, former Cabinet ministers Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick emerged as the final contenders in the Conservative Party's leadership race, set to succeed Rishi Sunak as party chief and UK Opposition Leader.

In a surprise turn of events, former home and foreign secretary James Cleverly was eliminated, garnering only 37 votes. Meanwhile, Badenoch came to the forefront with 42 votes, just edging out Jenrick who obtained 41.

The results will undergo further scrutiny as the candidates face broader membership voting, with a declaration anticipated on November 2. The contest, arising from Sunak's resignation following an electoral defeat, underscores ideological rifts within the party.

(With inputs from agencies.)