Politics news: Kemi Badenoch elected leader of Conservative Party, defeating Robert Jenrick

Sir John Hayes, who backed Robert Jenrick as party leader, said the Conservatives should support Kemi Badenoch “for a while”.

He told Sky News it was Ms Badenoch’s job to “bring the party together” and it was the job of Conservative MPs to “help her do that”.

“I wish her every success,” he says, adding: “I think there’s every chance she’ll be successful.”

However, Sir John went on to say that “things change” in politics.

But, he said, “at the moment we need to support Kemi Badenoch and we need to win the election – and that’s what I’m concentrating on.”

Sam Coatesour deputy political editor, presses Sir John’s choice of words – “for now” – and the message it sends about the party’s future.

Sir John says “what I said didn’t mean it.”

He repeats that the Conservatives must focus on “fighting the Labor government”.