Who Will Be The Next Leader Of The Tory Party?

Kemi Badenoch, James Cleverly and Penny Mordaunt are just some of the names in the mix to be the next leader of the Conservative party if the Tories lose the general election in 2024 and Rishi Sunak is forced to resign.

If Labour boots the Tories out of Downing Street at the next election, which opinion polls consistently suggest is likely, the Conservative Party will find itself in opposition for the first time in nearly 15 years.

The next general election must be called by December 2024, meaning legally it could be held in January 2025, although this is considered to be an unpalatable option for all parties, as well as the public. Prime Minister Sunak recently told journalists that he expected the election to be held some time next year.

In the event of a defeat, it is customary that a party leader resigns rathern than become leader of the opposition. The next Conservative leader would inherit the mighty task of deciding the direction of the defeated party, as well as rebuilding its resources and morale, while at the same time try to take the fight to Labour prime minister Keir Starmer. 

The instability of the last few years has meant that many leading Tories have already been blatant about their leadership ambitions, while unexpected candidates often emerge when a competition gets underway. 

Here is who is tipped for a bid to replace Sunak if he steps down after the next general election.

As one of the Conservative government's loudest and most forthright voices on culture issues, Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch is in a strong position to appeal to the right-wing of the Tory party. 

She entered the contest to replace Boris Johnson last summer and despite having never held a position more senior than local