Stride issues warning to Tory leadership plotters

Sir Mel Stride has issued a warning to any Conservative colleagues plotting leadership challenges, urging them not to risk derailing the party just as he says it is starting to get back on track.

- DAVID MADDOX, KATE DEVLIN

On the eve of the party conference, the shadow chancellor has told The Independent that voters “will never forgive” the Tories if they return to “self-indulgent” leadership contests again - less than a year after Kemi Badenoch was elected leader.

It comes after a dismal first year out of power for the party, which has continued to slip in the polls - despite Labour’s woes - while Nigel Farage and Reform UK have surged ahead and now sit as the most likely challengers to the government at the next election.

The Conservatives’ downfall has promoted speculation that Ms Badenoch could face a serious leadership challenge, with shadow cabinet colleagues Robert Jenrick and Sir James Cleverly tipped as the main contenders to replace her, but Sir Mel has insisted a change at the top now would be counterproductive.