Robert Jenrick has emerged as the frontrunner in the Conservative leadership race, raising £250,000 by the end of August, according to campaign finance figures. The former immigration minister outpaced his closest rival, Kemi Badenoch, who secured approximately £200,000, while other candidates lagged significantly behind.
Under the party’s 'pay to play' rules, candidates reaching the final four must contribute £50,000, with the eventual winner required to pay a further £150,000. Jenrick’s fundraising success places him in a strong position ahead of the next round of MP voting, where another candidate will be eliminated next week.
Priti Patel, who had raised over £180,000 including £70,000 from a donor with ties to Russia, was eliminated from the race after securing only 14 votes from MPs. Her supporters are expected to shift to Badenoch, who has received backing from former Patel backer Maria Caulfield.
Jenrick’s donors include a company owned by the wife of former Conservative MP Nadhim Zahawi, contributing £20,000, and £75,000 from a firm controlled by lawyer Mark Dembovsky. Badenoch’s major backers include businessman Charles Keymer, who gave £50,000, and Conservative peer Dambisa Moyo.
In the latest MP ballot, Jenrick won 28 votes, followed by Badenoch with 22 and James Cleverly with 21. Tom Tugendhat and Mel Stride received 17 and 16 votes respectively. The final four candidates will address the party conference in early October before the field narrows to two.
