James Cleverly

2024 - 10 - 2

James Cleverly: The Political Pinball of Tory Leadership!

Conservative Party conference - James Cleverly - Kemi Badenoch - Liz Truss - mixed race representation - Robert Jenrick - Ronald Reagan - Tory leadership - UK politics - Warhammer

Get ready for a whirlwind tour of James Cleverly's wild and wacky Tory leadership bid, where normal is the new extraordinary!

In the bustling atmosphere of the Tory conference, James Cleverly has been making waves with his distinctive call for the party to embrace a more ‘normal’ identity, urging fellow members to draw inspiration from Ronald Reagan. The shadow home secretary has recently been quite the political pinball, bouncing between defending the controversial economic policies of former Prime Minister Liz Truss and pushing for a vision of the party that may resonate with ordinary voters. It seems he believes that presenting a ‘normal’ front could turn the tide for the Tories amidst the financial turmoil they’ve faced in recent years.

Amidst raucous applause and some head-shaking from critics, Cleverly’s leadership pitch was peppered with anecdotes that seemed to resonate, occasionally veering into the realm of the bizarre. Mentioning how his love for Warhammer nearly stopped him from running for the top spot, he contrasted the whimsical nature of fantasy battles with the serious business of political leadership. Who knew that miniature soldiers could influence a leadership race? But such is the oddity of British politics!

Higher up on the political chessboard, Cleverly isn’t just vying for the favours of Tory members; he’s made it clear he’s in this game to challenge the perceptions held by other party leaders. Declaring himself the candidate that rivals fear most, he’s undoubtedly picking up hints from previous Conservative leaders while insisting that the party must strive to be relatable—or as he puts it, ‘more normal’. The promotional style may be catchy, but will it land in the voter’s hearts come election time?

However, this journey hasn’t been without its bumps. Critiques have emerged from various quarters, including GB News host Bev Turner, who labelled his speech as ‘arrogant and out of touch’. Critics argue that Cleverly’s approach sidelines serious, pressing issues in favour of catchy slogans—leaving some wondering if normality is truly the tonic the Tories need or simply a balm for a more significant identity crisis.

Interesting fact: James Cleverly's background is as vibrant as his speeches; he once worked as a public relations officer and is known for his interest in military history and gaming, which he amusingly recounted in his campaign. Notably, Ronald Reagan, whom Cleverly cites as an inspiration, was also regarded for his communication skills, which helped him navigate through rocky political waters during his presidency. Drawing parallels between past and present might be what Cleverly needs to solidify his appeal to potential voters!

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Image courtesy of "The Independent"

Cleverly refuses to disown Truss tax chaos three times (The Independent)

The Tory leadership contender declined to distance himself from Liz Truss' disastrous economic policies.

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Image courtesy of "Western Morning News -"

James Cleverly defends plan to revive Truss policy as Tory ... (Western Morning News -)

The party's future and the economy will be among the topics touched on when Robert Jenrick, Kemi Badenoch, Tom Tugendhat and Mr Cleverly address delegates. The ...

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Image courtesy of "Cumnock Chronicle"

James Cleverly urges Tory members to be 'more normal' (Cumnock Chronicle)

As part of his leadership pitch to members, the former minister claimed he was the candidate who is 'feared the most' by other party leaders.

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Image courtesy of "Spectator.co.uk"

James Cleverly thinks the Tories need to be more 'normal' (Spectator.co.uk)

James Cleverly's speech did a much better job than Tom Tugendhat's of explaining what sort of person he is, and what he wants to do with the party.

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Image courtesy of "Metro"

James Cleverly says Warhammer nearly stopped him running for ... (Metro)

The shadow home secretary said he could have decided not to enter the race and spend more time with his family and Warhammer figurines.

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Image courtesy of "Yahoo News UK"

'Be More Normal': Tory Leadership Candidate James Cleverly's ... (Yahoo News UK)

The former home secretary issued the bizarre plea as he made his pitch to succeed Rishi Sunak at the Tory conference in Birmingham. He said: “Let's be more like ...

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Image courtesy of "City A.M."

Tory leadership: 'Let's be more normal', James Cleverly tells party ... (City A.M.)

Tory leadership candidate James Cleverly has urged his party to “be more normal” and take inspiration from US president Ronald Reagan.

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Image courtesy of "Daily Mail"

James Cleverly urges Tories to be 'more normal' and give 'mixed ... (Daily Mail)

In his pitch to the party conference he asked them to give 'a mixed race boy from Lewisham' a shot at becoming prime minister. The former home secretary opened ...

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Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

Cleverly's leadership bid gathers pace as he calls on Tories to be ... (The Guardian)

Former home secretary seeks to capitalise on tumultuous few days for his rivals in Conservative conference speech.

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Image courtesy of "centralfifetimes.com"

James Cleverly urges Tory members to be 'more normal' (centralfifetimes.com)

As part of his leadership pitch to members, the former minister claimed he was the candidate who is 'feared the most' by other party leaders.

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Image courtesy of "Evening Standard"

James Cleverly musters the Tory faithful after Robert Jenrick shoots ... (Evening Standard)

COMMENTARY: Would-be leaders were trying to emulate David Cameron's success in winning over the rank and file in 2005.

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Image courtesy of "GB News"

'It was quite hypocritical!' Bev Turner BLASTS James Cleverly's speech (GB News)

GB News host Bev Turner has blasted Tory leadership hopeful James Cleverly for his "arrogant and out of touch" remarks in a scathing analysis of his ...

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Image courtesy of "Politics.co.uk"

How James Cleverly won Conservative Party conference - Politics ... (Politics.co.uk)

Tugendhat, up first, spoke glowingly of the “energy” and “determination” he had sensed at conference — a welcome reprieve after a “bruising” general election ...

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Image courtesy of "PoliticsHome.com"

Star Wars Lover James Cleverly Tries To Defy The Odds (PoliticsHome.com)

Having served in two of the great offices of state, James Cleverly has the most cabinet experience of any of the candidates. He is seen as a potential...

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Image courtesy of "BBC News"

Cleverly makes his mark - but will it be enough? (BBC News)

The ex-home secretary is looking to close the gap with frontrunners Robert Jenrick and Kemi Badenoch.

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Image courtesy of "Financial Times"

James Cleverly gains momentum after Tory leadership speeches (Financial Times)

Former party chair receives warmest reception as four contenders lay out their pitches at Conservative conference.

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Image courtesy of "BBC News"

Cleverly makes his mark - but will it be enough? (BBC News)

It felt like James Cleverly made the most of his moment today. The two frontrunners in this leadership race, Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick, have each had ...

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Image courtesy of "Leigh Journal"

James Cleverly urges Tory members to be 'more normal' (Leigh Journal)

As part of his leadership pitch to members, the former minister claimed he was the candidate who is 'feared the most' by other party leaders.

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Image courtesy of "Sky News"

Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick may have stolen the headlines ... (Sky News)

At a late-night drinks party this week, a senior Conservative took out his metaphorical sorting hat and assigned the Tory leadership candidates into Hogwart ...

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Image courtesy of "UnHerd"

James Cleverly is the dark horse of the Tory leadership contest (UnHerd)

Politics is not simply a battle of ideas and ideologies, but a performance. And that is why James Cleverly's speech in Birmingham today is so important, ...

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Image courtesy of "Richmond and Twickenham Times"

James Cleverly urges Tory members to be 'more normal' (Richmond and Twickenham Times)

As part of his leadership pitch to members, the former minister claimed he was the candidate who is 'feared the most' by other party leaders.

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Image courtesy of "iNews"

'Brilliant' conference speech could see Cleverly lead the Tories (iNews)

James Cleverly is now considered the second favourite to be in the final two, behind Robert Jenrick.

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Image courtesy of "expressandstar.com"

Tories can't get back in government without the Black Country ... (expressandstar.com)

Tory leadership hopeful James Cleverly said his party cannot get back into government unless it retakes the Black Country and the West Midlands.

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Image courtesy of "ITV News"

Jenrick still favourite but could James Cleverly surge change the ... (ITV News)

Deputy Political Editor Anushka Asthana explores the current positions of Badenoch, Jenrick, Cleverly, and Tugendhat in the race to lead the Conservative ...

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Image courtesy of "North Wales Chronicle"

James Cleverly urges Tory members to be 'more normal' (North Wales Chronicle)

As part of his leadership pitch to members, the former minister claimed he was the candidate who is 'feared the most' by other party leaders.

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Image courtesy of "shropshirestar.com"

We can't get back in government without the Black Country, Cleverly ... (shropshirestar.com)

Tory leadership hopeful James Cleverly said his party cannot get back into government unless it retakes the Black Country and the West Midlands.

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Image courtesy of "Yorkshire Post"

James Cleverly says levelling up should be about cutting red tape ... (Yorkshire Post)

Levelling up should be more about reducing red tape and less about “subsidies and government spending” as it was under Boris Johnson, James Cleverly has ...

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Image courtesy of "Financial Times"

Conservatives should pick James Cleverly. Here's why they won't (Financial Times)

Former home and foreign secretary poses biggest threat to Labour, but members will erroneously choose candidates offering more radical solutions.

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Image courtesy of "alloaadvertiser.com"

James Cleverly urges Tory members to be 'more normal' (alloaadvertiser.com)

As part of his leadership pitch to members, the former minister claimed he was the candidate who is 'feared the most' by other party leaders.

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Image courtesy of "Daily Mail"

James Cleverly declares himself the 'frontrunner' in the Tory ... (Daily Mail)

From the four remaining leadership contenders - Mr Cleverly, Kemi Badenoch, Robert Jenrick and Tom Tugendhat - two will be knocked out of the contest next week.

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