Voting concludes in race to lead UK Conservative Party as it aims to recover from election defeat.

Voting has officially closed in the extended race to determine the next leader of Britain’s Conservative Party, a contest launched in the wake of the party's historic defeat. With voting wrapped up as of Thursday, the outcome will be revealed on Saturday, potentially reshaping the direction of the party that suffered its worst electoral outcome since 1832 under former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

The two finalists in this leadership bid are Kemi Badenoch, a former software engineer known for her dynamic policies and criticism of cultural norms, and Robert Jenrick, a onetime Brexit opponent who has since become a staunch nationalist. The party’s base of around 172,000 members, primarily older, affluent, white men as per 2022 estimates, have had the final say in who will lead the Conservatives through this turbulent phase.

The leadership race started more than three months ago with six contenders. Through successive rounds of voting, Conservative lawmakers narrowed down the field, leaving Badenoch and Jenrick as the final two. Despite the gravity of the decision, no reliable polling data has been shared, adding to the air of suspense around the outcome.

Whoever wins will face a formidable task. The new leader must mend a party battered by years of internal conflict, scandal, and economic instability. The central challenge will be crafting a strategy to challenge Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government on key issues like the economy and immigration, while reestablishing public trust. The broader aim will be to secure a path to victory in the next general election, expected by 2029, which seems daunting given the party's loss of over 200 seats, leaving it with just 121 in Parliament.

Badenoch, at 44, represents a potential shift in the party’s profile. Born in London to Nigerian parents, she would be the first Black woman to head a major British political party. Known for her outspoken views, she presents herself as an agent of change who promises to “rewire, reboot, and reprogram” the British state. Badenoch's platform includes a strong endorsement of low taxes and a free-market economy. Her take on cultural issues sets her apart as she critiques multiculturalism and has controversially claimed that “not all cultures are equally valid,” which has attracted both support and criticism.

Her opponent, 42-year-old Robert Jenrick, portrays himself as a champion of nationalist policies, having shifted sharply to the right after opposing Brexit in the 2016 EU referendum. Jenrick has proposed bold moves such as withdrawing from the European Convention on Human Rights and scrapping the U.K.’s own Human Rights Act. His platform also prioritizes ending mass migration, removing carbon-emissions targets, and strengthening national identity. These policies have resonated with those seeking a firmer stance on cultural and national issues, but have also sparked concerns about alienating moderate voters.

Both candidates represent the right wing of the Conservative Party, appealing to voters disenchanted by more centrist policies. Their shared ambition is to reclaim voters who have drifted to Reform U.K., a hard-right, anti-immigration party led by Nigel Farage that has capitalized on public discontent. However, the challenge extends beyond securing the right-wing base. The Conservatives also lost significant support to the Labour Party and the centrist Liberal Democrats. This shift highlights an internal debate among Conservative members: whether doubling down on right-leaning policies is the path back to power or whether it risks further alienation from mainstream public opinion.

This leadership contest echoes the party’s last high-profile race in 2022. After Boris Johnson’s resignation and a turbulent summer, Liz Truss was chosen over Sunak but only lasted 49 days as prime minister. Her drastic tax-cutting plans created financial turmoil and led to a plummeting pound, compelling her to step down. Sunak then assumed the role but was unable to prevent the party's steep electoral loss.

Jenrick and Badenoch both argue that a fresh approach is essential. For Jenrick, this means staunchly defending traditional values and pursuing policies that emphasize British sovereignty and cultural identity. Badenoch, on the other hand, positions herself as an innovative reformer who seeks to modernize governance without forsaking core Conservative principles.

The party’s future will depend heavily on the new leader’s ability to navigate this complex landscape. To return to prominence, the Conservatives will need a leader who can address internal rifts while resonating with a broader electorate. Winning back disillusioned voters from both Reform U.K. and moderate rivals is crucial, as is presenting a united front that challenges Labour’s agenda.

Saturday’s announcement will mark a pivotal moment for the Conservatives. Whether Badenoch or Jenrick wins, their leadership will set the tone for how the party plans to rebuild and compete in an increasingly polarized political environment.