PA averageWhen Robert Jenrick strode onto the podium at the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham, he immediately showed off his credentials in the Midlands.
As the audience at the International Convention Center applauded, the Newark congressman’s opening remarks showed his ties to the region.
“It’s great to be back home. I’m a Midlands guy. I grew up on the roadside in Wolverhampton,” he declared.
His wife and parents watched from seats near the stage. His speech included sentimental memories of growing up in the Black Country, the son of an entrepreneur who started a fireplace business “on the kitchen table”.
The Wolverhampton Grammar School alumnus was elected as a Nottinghamshire MP in 2014 and went on to win a series of ministerial posts, including two years in the Cabinet as Communities Secretary.
He hopes that the next step in his political career will be to become the leader of the party.
He implored delegates from the stage: “I want to lead this change, so join me in this new Conservative Party. Together, let’s take a stand for the country we love.”
The first two leadership votes among Conservative MPs have made him the front-runner in the race to succeed Rishi Sunak.
However, he Facing competition from three other MPs In the race for the top job.
PA averageLike many of his Conservative parliamentary colleagues, the 42-year-old has just entered opposition life following a crushing defeat at July’s general election.
Jenrick is the only Conservative MP to retain his seat in Nottinghamshire.
He attributed this achievement to his resignation as immigration minister in December 2023.
He criticized the previous government’s Rwanda bill for requiring “stronger protections” from legal challenges by asylum seekers seeking to avoid deportation.
Taking a tough stance on immigration was a key promise in his campaign.
The hopeful leadership told conference delegates: “Frankly, there is no future for this party unless we take a stand. The way to do that is to quickly detain and deport everyone who enters our country illegally.”
He advocated for the UK to withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), which he claimed left the UK “unable to secure our borders”.
PA averageHis rivals for the party leadership include former business secretary Kemi Badenock, former foreign and home affairs minister James Cleverley and shadow security minister Tom Tugendhat.
Jenrick’s supporters in the region say his knowledge of the Midlands is one of the reasons they support him.
Bradley Thomas, Conservative MP for Bromsgrove, told the BBC: “Rob understands not only the heritage of the West Midlands but the economic and social character of the area. In fact, Our economy must pivot, we must upskill the next generation and we must address issues including immigration.
Conservative councilor Simon Bennett, leader of the opposition on Wolverhampton City Council, also wants to vote for Jenrick.
“He will bring prosperity back to places like Wolverhampton. He knows what those former ‘red wall’ seats mean. Robert will ensure those areas that are lagging behind get more investment.”
In contrast, Jesse Norman, the Conservative MP for Hereford, expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of the meeting on social media.
He posted on X that “Robert Jenrick’s speech is lazy, disingenuous, simplistic drivel.”
On Wednesday and Thursday, lawmakers will vote to narrow the field of candidates from four to two.
Party members will then make the final decision on selecting the winning candidate.
Voting closes on 31 October at 17:00 GMT.
The self-proclaimed “Midlands Man” hopes this will be a Halloween worth celebrating.
