Robert Jenrick can change the Tories’ fortunes

If you speak to anybody unfortunate enough to have spent time canvassing for the Conservatives during the general election, they will tell you that one issue came up on the doorstep: immigration. The failure to control our borders using Brexit powers led voters to defect en masse to both the Liberal Democrats and Reform. Any attempt to forge a right-wing party capable of entering Number 10 again must begin with contrition, followed by a long period of working to regain trust.

This year’s leadership debate marks a welcome change from 2022. Two years ago, the unprecedented movement of people into Britain was essentially dismissed as an afterthought. Conservative party members have this time been given a choice between two candidates offering distinct positions on how to kickstart the process of repairing the party’s reputation on immigration.

One, put forward by Robert Jenrick, offers crisp and precise pledges for potential voters: a legally binding cap on legal immigration and withdrawal from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).