Jenrick Declares Tory Leadership Race 'Neck and Neck' Despite Badenoch's Lead

Robert Jenrick remains optimistic in the Conservative leadership contest, emphasizing policy over principles and proposing increased defense spending.

• Robert Jenrick, a former Home Office minister, claims the Tory leadership race remains close despite a poll showing Kemi Badenoch with a 24-point lead.
• Jenrick promises to increase defense spending to 3% of GDP by the middle of the second parliament if elected as leader.
• He criticizes Badenoch's focus on principles, arguing that party members want immediate action rather than long-term policy discussions.
• Jenrick plans to fund defense spending increases through welfare cuts, aiming to reach 2.5% of GDP immediately under the next Conservative government.
• The leadership election results are set to be announced on November 2, with Jenrick and Badenoch as the final two candidates.

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