“James Cleverly Faces ‘Dossier’ Attack Amid Tory Leadership Race Despite Party’s Clean Competition Pledge” 2024-09-13

James Cleverly has become the focus of a "dossier" circulated by a firm known for uncovering damaging information on political candidates, amid the ongoing Tory leadership race. This dossier is suspected to have been commissioned by one of his rivals or a third party aiming to sway the contest in their favor. Despite the Conservative Party's commitment to maintaining a clean competition—where candidates are prohibited from engaging in negative briefings or harsh criticisms of one another—Cleverly appears to have been targeted indirectly by an opponent. The situation raises concerns about the integrity of the leadership race as candidates navigate the pressures of competition.

clean competition Conservative party Conservative party candidate backbiting Conservative party leadership contest dirt-digging firm dossier James Cleverly James Cleverly political rivals James Cleverly Tory leadership race leadership race candidate criticism political candidates dirt-digging political opposition research Tory rivals attacking candidates

Question 1: What is the main focus of the article regarding James Cleverly?

The article discusses how James Cleverly has been targeted by a dirt-digging firm that has circulated a "dossier" on him, potentially commissioned by a rival or a third party in the context of the Tory leadership race.

Question 2: What stance has the Conservative Party taken regarding candidate behavior in the leadership race?

The Conservative Party has stated that they will give public warnings to any candidate who attacks or backbites against their rivals, aiming for a clean competition.

Question 3: How is Cleverly believed to have been targeted in this situation?

Cleverly is believed to have been targeted at arms-length by an opponent, meaning that the attacks are being conducted indirectly, possibly to circumvent the party's rules against direct criticism.

Question 4: What implications does the existence of the "dossier" have for the Tory leadership race?

The existence of the "dossier" suggests that despite the party's efforts for a clean competition, underhanded tactics may still be employed by candidates or their supporters to undermine rivals.

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