UK politics live: Huge boost to Cleverly’s Tory leadership bid after shock vote win as Tugendhat eliminated

Tory leadership contender James Cleverly has openly acknowledged a “mistake” in declaring gifts he received while attending high-profile sporting events.

Over the weekend, it was revealed that he attended both Wimbledon and the Women’s World Cup final with his wife, Susannah, without properly declaring expenses.

In response to the allegations, a spokesperson for Mr Cleverly said: “James has always been fully transparent with any gifts and hospitality received.

“On this case there was a mistake in the declaration and we have contacted the FCDO to ask them to rectify it.”

This incident comes after Sir Keir Starmer faced backlash over tens of thousands of pounds in freebies since assuming his role.

The prime minister has since returned £6,000, which includes the cost of four tickets to Taylor Swift’s recent Eras Tour.

...that too many cooks spoil the broth, writes Sean O’Grady. Or, to put it another way, why does the prime minister need a ‘chief of staff’ anyway?

Despite securing a significant majority in the last election, Labour’s grip on ethnic minority voters may be slipping.

A new report from the think tank UK in a Changing Europe has revealed that while ethnic minorities still lean left, voting 66 per cent for Labour, the Greens and the Liberal Democrats, this support can’t be taken for granted.

The pollster behind the study, James Kanagasooriam, highlighted a worrying trend. Labour’s appeal among these voters is more a historical legacy than a solid foundation.

He said: “Labour cannot rely on ethnic minority voters as a ‘bloc’ of support. It is true that the Labour Party still convinces a far greater proportion of minorities with ‘warm’ views of the party to vote for it than the Conservative Party does.

“But among many ethnic groups, there is a fundamental disjunction between opinion on the salient issues of the day and voting patterns.

“Our polling suggests that Labour support among ethnic minorities is an ossified cultural and historical legacy that could disappear very quickly.”

Shadow education secretary Damian Hinds has called on the government to “pause” its plan to eliminate VAT exemptions for private school fees by January.

The Tory MP warned the government of potential repercussions. He emphasised the need for the government to publish its analysis regarding the impact of the policy on state schools.

Mr Hinds cautioned that removing these exemptions could displace students from private institutions, resulting in fewer choices for parents seeking preferred schools for their children.

He told Sky News that Labour must “rethink every aspect” of this policy if they are to avoid adverse consequences.

Mr Hinds added: “It means disruption for teachers, and it means ultimately more schools being full, and that means less chance of parent, of getting your preferred choice of school for your child.”

Labour’s position in the latest poll has dwindled, with its lead shrinking to one point as recent rows impact public perception.

According to More in Common, the party now sits at 29 per cent, a drop of one percentage point.

The Conservatives have gained two points, reaching 28 per cent.

Meanwhile, Reform UK continues to attract support, rising to 19 per cent, while Liberal Democrats have fallen to 11 per cent - down two points.

The Green Party has decreased to 7 per cent, down one point.

Today marks a critical moment for the Conservative Party as it holds a leadership vote that will narrow the field of candidates vying for Rishi Sunak’s successor.

Four contenders, Robert Jenrick, Kemi Badenoch, James Cleverly and Tom Tugnedhat, are competing for the chance to secure their party’ s future direction.

Mr Cleverly has gained momentum following a strong conference speech, securing Mel Stride’s endorsement.

By Wednesday, only two will remain, and party members will decide the winner.

James Cleverly‘s hopes of becoming Tory leader have received a major boost ahead of another crucial vote by Conservative MPs today as a former rival endorsed his candidacy.

Mel Stride, who was eliminated in the last round, has come out in support of the former home and foreign secretary as momentum continues to build for him to succeed Mr Sunak.

In a message on X (formerly Twitter), Mr Stride said: “The Conservative Party needs to rebuild trust on economic competence, cutting migration and reforming public services. Strong, clear and measured. James has what it takes. “

Momentum for Mr Cleverly appears to have been building since his speech on the last day of the Tory conference energised the audience with his call for Conservatives to start “being normal again”.

Our politics team has the full story below: