The Tory leadership contest is not about ‘diversity’ – it’s a carnival of monsters

The opening field of candidates for the Tory leadership has been cited by some as a shining example of inclusivity and diversity in the Conservative Party. But there is nothing “diverse” about the politics that unites all the Tory leadership candidates. All candidates stand on the hard right of the Tory spectrum. 

None of the candidates have indicated they would break from the authoritarian policies that characterised Boris Johnson’s time in office. Most telling is that every candidate has said they will carry out the obscene plan to deport refugees to Rwanda.

Those who crow about the "diversity" of the Tory leadership contest forget that racist policies do not cease to be racist policies when people of colour implement them.

The Tory leadership contest is not a heartening example of ethnic and gender diversity. It is a carnival of monsters. Working people must be prepared to fight the policies of whichever monster becomes the new Tory leader.

Sasha Simic

London

I totally agree with Susan Alexander’s comment that affluent pensioners should pay national insurance and TV licence fees. I have long felt that as I age I could be an ever increasing drain on the resources of the NHS.

And before anyone complains about the cost of means testing who should be making payments, may I just say that the PAYE system could easily, fairly and adequately make the appropriate calculation. After all it presently calculates my tax payable as a pensioner. The present system smacks of “vote buying” by the disgraced Tories.

David Shobbrook

Awbridge, Hants

Thank you so much for the clarity of today’s editorial (Who in the Tory race will talk about Brexit?).

I have been searching for a description for this sordid scramble to become leader of the Tory Party and by default prime minister. The description you give, that of religious cult, hits the nail squarely on the head. Ukip Mark 2 is the other manifestation offered, equally as succinct.

All contenders have previously been complicit in a conspiracy to deny Johnson’s ineptitude. Now their only necessary credentials are being a fully paid-up member of the Brexit Brigade.

It is time the Conservative Party and all its members got over Brexit – but I don’t hold out much hope for it. Our exit from the EU has obviously been such a disaster that the only way of living with it is to keep trying to convince themselves otherwise.

G Barlow

Wirral

​​One of Boris Johnson’s catchphrases was the threat of a “coalition of chaos” after the next election. But the Tory leadership shenanigans now shows where such a coalition really is – within the Conservative  Party.

Tim Sidaway

Hertfordshire

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If Penny Mordant wins the Tory leadership contest, will it be the first known case of two prime ministers in succession being elected because people liked their hair?

Penny Little

Oxfordshire

I am already looking forward to the next Conservative leadership election: same time next year; same contenders. more or less; same fatuous promises and same lack of reality around Brexit.

I’m also looking forward to someone commissioning a TV sitcom lampooning this nonsense, although by then I doubt anyone will be laughing!

Robert Boston

Kent