RACE IS ON
MP Tom Tugendhat reveals he is running to be the next Tory leader as race to replace Rishi Sunak begins
He is expected to face James Cleverly, Kemi Badenoch and Priti Patel in the race for Tory leader
TOM Tugendhat has revealed his plans to make a bid for Tory leadership, insisting he could win the next general election.
The former security minister said he is "running to be the next Conservative prime minister" as the race to replace Rishi Sunak kicks off.
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Writing in The Telegraph, Tugendhat said: "I am not just running to be the next leader of the Conservative Party.
"That is what this leadership election is all about: winning. We can't serve the British people if we don't win the next general election.
"We can win it. We must win it. I can lead the party to that victory."
Tugendhat served as cabinet Minister for Security between September 2022 and July 2024 and has been an MP since 2015.
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He claimed the Tories' poor performance in the July election was because they lost the "trust" of the British people.
This, he said, was down to promises by Sunak's government to lower taxes and immigration levels - which did not come to pass.
Tugendhat also said he would consider leaving the European Convention on Human Rights if made PM.
He wrote: "We know that if institutions do not serve the British people and make it harder to control our own borders, then we will have to exempt ourselves from them, or leave their jurisdiction.”
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The leadership hopeful said "common-sense Conservative positions" are a "non-negotiable" for him.
He explained: "We know what a woman is. We all want lower taxes.
"We all know national security must come before Treasury spreadsheets.
"We all know that energy security and household bills come first.
"Every one of the other candidates in this race is a good Conservative," Tugendhat added.
The optimistic leadership hopeful wrote: "The Conservative Party can win the next election. Trust me. I will make it happen."
Shadow Home Secretary James Cleverly was the first Conservative to throw his hat into the ring after announcing his plans to run for leadership on Wednesday.
Tugendhat could also face a fierce contest against ex-cabinet colleagues Priti Patel and Kemi Badenoch who are all expected to enter the race.
The new Conservative leader will be officially selected on November 2 - with Sunak holding the role until then.