Tory deputy chairman quits to back Jenrick for leadership

Tory deputy chairman has resigned in order to support Robert Jenrick in the Conservative leadership contest. 
 
I will be interested in the assumption by Matthew Vickers, MP for Stockton West, that Mr Jenrick, a former immigration minister stood out in the race to succeed Rishi Sunak. 
 
There are six contenders in the running and Mr Jenrick is up against Kemi Badenoch, James Cleverly, Tom Tugendhat and Mel Stride and Dame Priti Patel. 
 
Mr Vickers was involved in a Northern hustings event with five of the six candidates on Saturday and only after this made his mind up to support Mr Jenrick. 
 
He said: ‘All the candidates were good though the best of the lot was Robert Jenrick’. This process is important – we have a long way to go and require a PM who can bring us home in a single term. 
 
Taking into account I have heard him firsthand, I can state that is Robert without a doubt. He was the only one out of all of the leadership team who had the most lucid picture as to why we lost and presented the best vision on how we go forward, rebuild and start winning all over again. 
 
“Of course he is a strong communicator, but he crucially has the credibility we need to regain the public’s trust. ” 
 
Mr Vickers supported Mr Sunak in the previous two Conservative leadership elections. Mr Mam’s endorsement came after Mr Tugendhat was given his own campaign support after selected by Harriet Cross, the Scottish Tory MP for Gordon and Buchan. 
 
She said: “I am happy to recommend Tom Tugendhat MP for premier of our wonderful party. Of course, Tom understands Scotland. He has one day come to several Scottish Conservative events and meet factions and persons. Tom loves the Union and would like all its parts to do well. 
 
The result of the leadership contest is sure to be declared on November 02.