The new Tory leader will be Badenoch or Jenrick. Either would be a one-way ticket to another political planet | Martin Kettle

Conservative MPs have rejected James Cleverly in the party's leadership election, opting for a more right-wing path. The final runoff will be between Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick, with the result to be announced on November 2. Kemi Badenoch has expressed views that some may consider extreme, such as reducing maternity pay and imprisoning 10% of civil servants. Robert Jenrick, on the other hand, has made allegations about UK special forces and has promised to withdraw from the European human rights system. The result of the vote marks a significant shift to the right for the Conservative Party. This move has been described as a blow to those who want an effective opposition. The party's decision has been seen as a triumph for the Tory right. The Conservative Party has been experiencing an existential crisis, having suffered a record election defeat in July. The party's shift to the right may further exacerbate this crisis. The outcome of the leadership election is likely to have significant implications for the party's future direction.