The senior Conservative MP blamed the Tories' worst-ever defeat on 4 July on politicians who "fell out and left us short" rather than "heroic" party members.

Former home secretary Dame Priti Patel has declared that it is "time to put unity before personal vendetta" as she enters the Tory leadership race. Entering the increasingly crowded field to replace Rishi Sunak, the senior Conservative MP blamed their worst-ever defeat on 4 July on politicians who "fell out and left us short" rather than "heroic" party members. Dame Priti is the fifth candidate, but the first woman to formally announce her entry into the race for the top job, alongside Mel Stride.

After the turbulence and vicious infighting that plagued the Tories in government, she emphasised that she had the expertise and resilience to unite the party and "match fit" it. Dame Priti emphasised the need of focussing on the objective of winning the next election, suggesting that the Conservatives should reflect on what went wrong in the polls that reduced them to 121 MPs at Westminster.After the turbulence and vicious infighting that plagued the Tories in government, she emphasised that she had the expertise and resilience to unite the party and "match fit" it. While arguing, the Conservatives should reflect on what went wrong in the polls that saw them reduced to only 121 MPs.

She insisted "authentic" conservative values such defending freedom, promoting enterprise, keeping people safe and spreading opportunity remained popular with the public.

And it was "competent, grown-up and experienced politicians" who put these into practice that would help the Conservatives regain power.

Seeking to distinguish herself from her rivals, Dame Priti said members would be rewarded for their loyalty under her leadership with a greater voice in policy and the direction of the party, including helping to elect the Tory chairman, who is currently appointed by the leader.

Dame Priti stated, "It is not our heroic members who have failed, but politicians' distraction from public service." "We must now translate our conservative beliefs into strong policies in order to effect positive change for individuals all across our country. "It's time to prioritise unity over personal revenge, country before party, and results above self-interest. "I've done this for our party for over 30 years, in both government and opposition. I can get us ready to win the next general election."Dame Priti stated, "It is not our heroic members who have failed, but politicians' distraction from public service." "We must now translate our conservative beliefs into strong policies in order to effect positive change for individuals all across our country. "It's time to prioritise unity above personality.