A behind-the-scenes look at the work of Rutherford Hall, critical communications strategist
Contest to succeed Rishi Sunak blown open as Conservative MPs prepare to whittle down candidates
At this stage in the cycle, the Conservatives don’t want to be normal, they want to be themselves
Real energy is to be found in single-issue groups and parties to the left and right of Labour and the Tories
This week, the FT asks readers whether they care about how old leaders are
Former foreign secretary has momentum ahead of key MPs’ vote next week
UK chancellor vows to avoid Jeremy Hunt’s ‘mistakes’ and stokes optimism that spending could surpass manifesto
Badenoch’s attack on an overweening state seeks to imitate Thatcher’s case against the overmighty trade unions
Former home and foreign secretary poses biggest threat to Labour, but members will erroneously choose candidates offering more radical solutions
Groups that once influenced government policy are split over how to survive
Former party chair receives warmest reception as four contenders lay out their pitches at Conservative conference
Air of levity pervades Birmingham gathering as activists move on from general election rout
Exceptional performer was more able to capture attention than this year’s leadership contenders following Middle East escalation
Ex-defence secretary becomes latest on long list of former ministers beating a path towards new careers in business
His main rival Kemi Badenoch has lost momentum among MPs, following series of gaffes
They need to be able to appeal to successful economically liberal graduates again
Tory leadership contender also doubles down on criticism of maternity pay
Leadership frontrunners appear to prescribe moving the party closer to its activist base, but this approach rarely pays off
Unit for Tory party leader candidate established months before UK general election called
Former prime minister urges Conservatives to unite behind who succeeds him as party leader
Row breaks out over leadership contender’s comments as Tory annual conference gets under way in Birmingham
Former prime minister will call for unity before departing on Sunday ahead of candidate selection sessions
New Conservative leader must reshape image, while Keir Starmer’s party seen as increasingly ‘extreme,’ poll finds
Deputy leader Richard Tice says party campaign in next UK election will target ‘extreme cult of net zero’
Tory leadership frontrunner says GDP figures ‘juiced up’ by arrivals
