Overview

• Kemi Badenoch, once a frontrunner, risks falling behind due to strategic 'vote lending' among rival candidates.
• James Cleverly and Robert Jenrick are seen as key players, with Cleverly potentially overtaking Badenoch in the next rounds.
• The leadership race is characterized by behind-the-scenes tactics, including candidates boosting weaker opponents to manipulate outcomes.
• Priti Patel's early elimination has influenced the dynamics, with her supporters now backing other candidates.
• The final shortlist will be critical, as party members have the ultimate say in selecting the new leader.