Tuesday evening news briefing: Stride knocked out of Tory leadership race as Badenoch and Jenrick surge
Good evening. Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick have surged in the Conservative leadership contest as Mel Stride was knocked out of the race to succeed Rishi Sunak.
Also in today’s newsletter, analysis reveals that Rachel Reeves claimed £3,700 of taxpayer cash towards her energy bills before axing winter fuel payments for millions of pensioners, and we bring you a preview of tonight’s presidential debate.
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Stride knocked out of Tory leadership race as Badenoch and Jenrick surge
Mr Jenrick, a former immigration minister, remained in front in the second round of MP voting, gaining an extra five backers to receive 33 votes. Mrs Badenoch came second, picking up six supporters with 28 votes. Mr Stride, the shadow work and pensions secretary, exited the race with 16 supporters – see a full breakdown of the results. Elsewhere, Telegraph readers discuss how the Conservative Party can win them back.
Reeves claimed £3,700 in energy support before axing winter fuel payments
The Chancellor and other Labour MPs spent more than £400,000 of taxpayer money heating their own homes over the past five years, with some claiming thousands a year more than a typical household spends. It comes as Sir Keir Starmer and Ms Reeves fought off a backbench rebellion over the decision to axe winter fuel payments for millions of pensioners. See the timeline that reveals Labour’s winter fuel raid hypocrisy.
Meanwhile, nearly 350,000 pensioners will be brought into income tax threshold for the first time next year as the state pension rises by £460. Additionally, analysis shows that seven million older retirees will miss out on the full 4pc uplift. See the three charts that prove pensioners are doomed under Labour – plus we reveal the truth about Reeves’s better-off pensioners claim.