The Conservative Party's internal strife has flared up once again, just hours after Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick advanced to the final round of the leadership contest, making it the most right-wing ballot in the party's history.
Within two hours of the result, supporters of both candidates exchanged public criticisms. Sir John Hayes, a backer of Mr Jenrick, took a swipe at Ms Badenoch, suggesting the party does not want an 'irascible leadership' – a thinly veiled reference to claims that she can be 'abrasive'.
In response, Mr Jenrick's detailed manifesto, which includes a pledge to withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights, was criticised by Badenoch supporter Nigel Huddleston, who argued that his rival had 'too many specific policies'.
The exchange came after James Cleverly, the One Nation centrist candidate, was eliminated in the latest vote. He accepted defeat gracefully and urged party unity.
Party members will now vote on the final two candidates, both known for their stance on cultural issues. Mr Jenrick has pledged to leave the European Convention on Human Rights, while Ms Badenoch has faced accusations of transphobia.
