Two Cumbrian MPs have taken the unusual step of asking voters who should be the next Prime Minister – before he makes a decision.
Simon Fell, who represents Barrow and Furness, and Trudy Harrison, Copeland MP, are asking people in the area to complete a survey so they can gather their views.
Mr Fell said: “We’re not just selecting the next leader of my party, but the Prime Minister of the country.
“This is a significant decision, and I’d like to hear from the constituents of Barrow and Furness as to what their views are on who should be our next leader, and what their priorities should be. That is why I’ve created a short survey.”
The results will help inform Mr Fell’s decision and he will meet the frontrunners in the battle during their campaigns. He has pledged to put the concerns of people in the Barrow and Furness constituency to them.
After the first ballot, any candidate receiving less than 30 votes will be eliminated from the contest.
If the ballot thresholds are met by all candidates, then the candidate with the lowest number of votes will be eliminated. Balloting will then continue until two candidates remain.
The first ballot takes place today, July 13, from 1.30pm to 3.30pm, with the result announced later. Sir Graham Brady MP, chair of the 1922 committee of back bench Conservative MPs will act as returning officer for the election.
Once the parliamentary process is completed, Conservative Party campaign headquarters will assume responsibility for the administration of hustings and the vote of the Conservative Party membership. The ballot of party members will conclude with the result announced on September 5.
To fill out Mr Fell’s survey, visit www.simonfell.org/nextpm
Candidates were confirmed overnight – and Grant Shapps, who Copeland MP Trudy Harrison was backing, has pulled out to support Rishi Sunak. Mrs Harrison has also launched a survey to gauge who her constituents want her to vote for in the leadership race.
The candidates are Kemi Badenoch, Suella Braverman, Jeremy Hunt, Penny Mordaunt, Rishi Sunak, Liz Truss, Tom Tugendhat and Nadhim Zahawi.
Mrs Harrison said: “I had intended to support Grant Shapps, entirely based on personal experience, having working alongside him in the Department for Transport and being consistently impressed by his ability to plan, deliver and communicate – especially during challenging times.
“Grant has now withdrawn his bid. So, I’m seeking your thoughts as I genuinely see merits in all candidates, who are also close work colleagues and friends.
“Copeland – who do you want me to vote for in the first round of voting? Please let me know. I intend to keep my poll open until the end of the process, and will keep a close eye on the results as I consider where to place my votes.”
