Robert Jenrick squirms over support for Donald Trump in US election

Robert Jenrick squirmed as he was challenged over his past support for Donald Trump, saying it is “natural” for a Conservative to lean towards Republican candidates.

The Tory leadership contest frontrunner was noticeably uncomfortable when the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg challenged him over his past support for the bombastic ex-US president.

He avoided using Trump’s name when repeatedly asked the question, instead reverting to historic links between the Tories and Republicans in the US.

Asked if he backs Trump on Sunday, Mr Jenrick said: “The Conservative Party has strong and historic links to the Republican Party, so it is natural that we would lean towards Republican candidates.

“It’s clearly going to be a close race. I respect Kamala Harris, I would obviously seek to work productively and constructively with whoever is the next president of the United States.

“I think it’s normal, it is natural for a Conservative to lean towards Republican candidates.”

His latest comments about Trump were less decisively supportive than his previous remarks on the issue.

In August, Mr Jenrick said: “If I were an American citizen, I would be voting for Donald Trump.”

The remarks come on the first day of the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham, which will see the four leadership contenders – Mr Jenrick, Kemi Badenoch, James Cleverly and Tom Tugendhat – parade themselves in front of party members in what has been described as a beauty contest to shore up support.

They will take part in two official leadership hustings events as well as Q&A sessions, fringe events and drinks receptions as they make their case to the Tory rank and file.

The final two contenders will face a vote of party members next month.

Speaking to the BBC on