James Cleverly: Brexit supporter becomes eleventh MP to enter Tory leadership race
Braintree MP says party needs a leader who ‘truly believes in the opportunity Brexit presents’
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.James Cleverly has become the eleventh Conservative MP to enter the party’s crowded leadership contest.
The Braintree MP, a junior Brexit minister who previously served as deputy chairman of the party, said the Tories needed a leader who “truly believes in the opportunity Brexit presents”.
In a letter to his constituents in the Braintree and Witham Times, Mr Cleverly said: “Both the country, and my party, are beset with division.
“We cannot bring the country back together unless the party of government is united, and the party cannot unite if it is led from its fringes.
“I believe the case for Brexit is still valid, and I have not wavered in that belief.”
Mr Cleverly added that taking Britain out of the European without a withdrawal deal in place was “not his preferred choice”.
The winner of the leadership contest, who will also succeed Theresa May as prime minister, is expected to be announced by the end of July.
Among those vying to be the next Tory leader include top cabinet ministers such as home secretary Sajid Javid, foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt and environment secretary Michael Gove.
Former foreign secretary Boris Johnson, Andrea Leadsom and Rory Stewart have also declared their intention to stand.
Speculation continues to surround the prospect of other contenders emerging, including defence secretary Penny Mordaunt and former 1922 Committee chairman Sir Graham Brady.
Ms May last week announced she would stand down after repeatedly failing to win support in the Commons for her deal to take the UK out of the European Union.
Additional reporting by agencies
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments