Key events
I’m the same interview, Mel Stride said that “there’s no doubt that we have a demographic problem” when he was confronted with analysis showing one in six Conservative voters are likely to die before the next election.
The senior Tory told Times Radio: “This isn’t just a challenge that is about leaping on to some wonderful ideological square that will suddenly see all problems resolved. It’s about some deep, painstaking work to work out how we start to attract younger electors.
“And I think this point about the age profile of those that are supporting Conservatives really underscores the depth of the challenge that we have, but it is not insurmountable.”
He added that “the first thing we need to do the first step is to unite the parliamentary party”.
Opening summary
Good morning, I’m Sammy Gecsoyler and I’ll be taking you through the latest news from Westminster today.
All eyes are on the US this morning after Biden’s decision to drop out of the 2024 race. However, there is another race closer to home that is starting to heat up – who will take over as the leader of the Conservative party.
Mel Stride, the shadow work and pensions secretary is the latest Tory to throw his hat in the ring. He told Times Radio: “It’s something I’m considering.
“A number of colleagues have approached me and suggested that I might do that.
“We don’t yet of course know what the actual rules of the process will be – and I’ll want to wait to see that before I take a final decision – but it’s certainly a possibility.”
Stride is considered a candidate from the party’s centre. Tom Tugendhat, also from that wing of the party, received the endorsement of two senior Tories on Saturday. Figures from the party’s right including Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick are also expected to run.
Stride argued against “ideological labels” when pressed on whether he would seek to prevent a rightward shift in the party, but added: “I want us to have that One Nation tradition”.
After colleague Suella Braverman warned the party risked becoming “centrist cranks”, Stride said: “I don’t think I’d describe myself as that at all.”
