Jenrick letter adds to Tory leadership bid speculation

Robert Jenrick has fuelled speculation that he is preparing a leadership campaign to replace the beleaguered Kemi Badenoch with just a week to go before the local elections.

- DAVID MADDOX

A letter to local election candidates offering his support was revealed just 24 hours after a recording emerged of him laying out a pledge to unite the Conservative Party and Reform UK.

In the letter, Mr Jenrick said: “I firmly believe that the best way to defeat our opponents is to champion Conservative values. We must not only stand by our Conservative principles but also put them into action.”

He offered to help with association fundraising and noted that he is speaking at events. The letter did not mention Tory leader Ms Badenoch, who defeated him last autumn in the final round.