TORY MPs WIN TUG OF WAR ON LEADERSHIP CONTEST TIMETABLE

"The Conservative Party looks set for a repeat of its 2005 'beauty contest' in Blackpool, after MPs won out over party officials to seemingly wrest control of the timeline to replace the outgoing Rishi Sunak."

 

Sky News reports on MPs battle with Conservative Board to delay leadership decisions 

Senior Conservative MPs appear to have won a battle against party officials who wanted a speedy leadership contest to replace Rishi Sunak.

At a meeting of the party's board, new 1922 Committee chairman Bob Blackman told officials the overwhelming view of Tory MPs was: don't rush the contest.

Leaders of the voluntary party had wanted a replacement for Mr Sunak elected in time for a coronation at the Tory conference in Birmingham [and Labour Autumn budget], which starts on 29 September.