Tory Leadership Vote Begins Amid Controversies and Starmer's First PMQs with Sunak
September 5, 2024The Tory leadership contest is currently underway, with the first round of voting scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, aimed at narrowing the list of candidates from six.
The six candidates in the contest include former ministers James Cleverly, Robert Jenrick, Dame Priti Patel, Tom Tugendhat, Mel Stride, and Kemi Badenoch.
Kemi Badenoch has publicly criticized Angela Rayner for her proposal to abolish the right-to-buy scheme, originally established by Margaret Thatcher.
Angela Rayner plans to initiate a consultation to potentially end the right-to-buy scheme, which allows council tenants to purchase their homes.
This proposal comes as over 100 local authorities have requested the scrapping of the right-to-buy scheme, labeling it 'unsustainable' in a recent report on Britain's housing situation.
Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer's government is facing backlash over a partial arms ban on Israel, which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has characterized as 'shameful'.
In contrast, the White House has indicated it will not follow the UK's lead in restricting arms sales to Israel.
Starmer will also face Rishi Sunak for Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs) for the first time since the summer recess.
Reflecting on the current political climate, Tony Blair remarked that Starmer has assumed leadership during a time of national anxiety, contrasting it with the more optimistic atmosphere during his own tenure.
Adding to the political landscape, a long-awaited report into the Grenfell Tower fire, which resulted in 72 deaths, is set to be published, detailing the actions of various parties involved.
Results from the first round of voting in the Tory leadership contest are expected to be announced around 3:30 PM.
Summary based on 1 source
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The Independent • Sep 4, 2024
Angela Rayner ‘to ditch Thatcher’s Right to Buy scheme’ as Tory leadership vote begins: UK politics - live