Priti told not to run and split the Right
PRITI Patel was last night being urged not to throw her hat in the ring for the Tory leadership contest after she came last in a poll.
The Home Secretary has spent days trying to decide whether to run – and was yesterday sounding out the support of Brexiteer backbenchers in the European Research Group (ERG).
But her campaign hopes were dealt a major blow last night after she came bottom in a poll of Tory members who were asked who should be the next party leader.
The Conservative Home survey was topped by Penny Mordaunt, with Kemi Badenoch in second place and Rishi Sunak in third.
Miss Patel – who is planning to pitch herself as the ‘only authentic Brexiteer’ who can win the contest – was urged by rivals to pull out so that she does not split the Right-wing vote.
An ally of Attorney General Suella Braverman told the Daily Mail: ‘It’s vital that we have one candidate on the Right, otherwise the vote will be split. Between Priti, Suella and Kemi, all that matters is who can win in the membership and has Cabinet experience.
‘There’s only one candidate who is in the middle of that Venn diagram: It’s not rocket science, it’s Suella.’
Miss Patel, however, had been fearful that the Right-wing vote could be split if she did not enter the contest, leaving the party without a hardline Brexiteer in the final two contenders.
A Tory source said: ‘If the Right united on the current numbers – the candidate would be in second place. Conversations and caucusing are only going to get them so far. There is a real risk they freeze themselves out of the race.’
Miss Patel told the ERG last night that she would be a low-tax candidate, and would scrap green levies, address the cost of living crisis and refuse to ‘cave’ into the EU.
Despite not yet launching a campaign, the Home Secretary has been publicly endorsed by a dozen MPs – putting her ahead of other rivals who have launched their bids.
She has also won the backing of a Tory donor, Lord Cruddas, who said: ‘Our next Prime Minister must have a track record of leadership and delivery in Government, a commitment to Conservative values, and a clear vision for the future of our country.
‘We need to see Priti Patel in this race to deliver for the country. You will have my support.’
Miss Patel has also been backed by Tom Pursglove, a minister at the Home Office and the Ministry of Justice, who was last week appointed Policing Minister.
He posted on Twitter: ‘During my time as a @ukhomeoffice Minister, I have witnessed first hand @PritiPatel’s ability to deliver solutions to the most complex problems facing our country – from the Rwanda deal to stop the small boats, to getting serious violence and burglary down.’
‘Her tenacity, leadership and competence would make her a brilliant Prime Minister and I am urging her to consider standing in this leadership contest.’
‘Publicly endorsed by a dozen MPs’