Former Home Secretary Priti Patel is set to enter the Conservative Party's leadership race to replace Rishi Sunak following his election defeat. Patel, who has been an MP since 2010, has assembled a campaign team funded by high-profile Tory donors and is expected to formally announce her candidacy soon. She joins a field that includes Kemi Badenoch, Tom Tugendhat, and potentially Suella Braverman. Patel's allies believe she will secure enough MP backing to reach the final two candidates and could unify the party's different wings. Patel's leadership bid marks her first attempt to lead the Tories, and she has significant support from various party members. The 1922 Committee will set the rules and timeline for the leadership contest.