Rishi Sunak confronts mass MP exodus ahead of UK elections: Key conservative challengers

Ahead of Britain's general election on July 4, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is grappling with escalating problems as a significant number of senior Conservative MPs have announced their decision not to seek re-election. This mass exodus, involving 78 Tory members, has further overshadowed Sunak's leadership and the party's prospects, with predictions pointing to a historic defeat by the opposition Labour Party.

Key Cabinet Ministers Step Down

Cabinet ministers Michael Gove and Andrea Leadsom were among the latest high-profile Tories to declare their departure from the electoral race. Gove’s withdrawal was anticipated amidst concerns of strong anti-incumbency sentiments after 14 years of Conservative rule. Leadsom, shortly after Gove, informed Prime Minister Sunak through a letter about her decision not to run for re-election.

"No one in politics is a conscript. We are volunteers who willingly choose our fate. And the chance to serve is wonderful. But there comes a moment when you know that it is time to leave. That a new generation should lead," Gove stated on social media, highlighting the "toll office can take." The number of sitting Tories opting out of re-election has now reached 78, surpassing the previous record of 72 from 1997, according to The Guardian.

Former Prime Minister Among Those Departing

Former Prime Minister Theresa May is also stepping away, along with former Defence Minister Ben Wallace, who had already announced his exit from frontline politics. Amidst this wave of departures, Sunak faced criticism for taking a "day off" from the campaign trail, spending time at home in his constituency and holding discussions with his closest advisers.

Criticism and Campaign Dynamics

One insider dismissed the notion that Sunak was trying to reset his campaign as “ridiculous,” while another suggested that "prime ministers don’t normally spend the first weekend of the campaign at home talking to their advisers." In contrast, Labour leader Keir Starmer actively engaged in public events, emphasising that the Conservatives have damaged the economy.

Who are Sunak's Challengers?

• Suella Braverman: Once close to Sunak, Braverman was dismissed as Home Secretary over her comments on pro-Palestinian protests. She criticized Sunak for betraying key policies and has been a vocal figure in the party's hard-right wing.
• Penny Mordaunt: Despite denying a challenge, Mordaunt, who previously came third in the leadership race, is speculated to be central to efforts to replace Sunak.
• Kemi Badenoch: The Business Secretary, popular among grassroots members, is seen as a contender on the right, competing with Braverman and Priti Patel.
• James Cleverly: The former Foreign Secretary and current Home Secretary is viewed as a unifying figure capable of bridging the Johnson and Sunak eras.
• Priti Patel: The former Home Secretary, less hard-line than Braverman, is considered a potential unifier within the party.
• Tom Tugendhat: A centrist and member of the liberal-leaning One Nation group, Tugendhat's influence has waned, suggesting a shift towards more right-leaning candidates.