Suella Braverman has backed Robert Jenrick in the Tory leadership race because of his pledge to pull the UK out of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).

       Mr Jenrick served as Mrs Braverman’s deputy while she was home secretary, but quit as immigration minister because of his belief that Rishi Sunak’s Rwanda deportation plan did not go far enough.

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       The backing of Mrs Braverman, who was herself a leadership contender in 2022, is a significant coup for Mr Jenrick. She is a key figure on the right of the party and one of the original Spartans who led the Tory rebellions over Brexit.

       Mr Jenrick has made a tougher approach to immigration – including quitting the ECHR – a centrepiece of his leadership campaign which has taken him through to the head-to-head battle with Kemi Badenoch.

       Ms Badenoch, the shadow housing secretary, has said that she is also prepared to quit the ECHR if necessary, but has made clear that she does not believe that such a move will alone solve the immigration crisis.

       This summer Ms Badenoch was reported to have suggested Mrs Braverman was having a “very public” nervous breakdown because of her criticism of the Tory leadership before the election. Mrs Braverman hit back by questioning whether Ms Badenoch’s comments were appropriate for a prospective party leader.

       It is understood that the pair have met privately since the spat to restore good relations.

       Mrs Braverman, however, believes Mr Jenrick is the politician best equipped to lead the party and deliver UK withdrawal from the ECHR as the foundation on which the Tories can “rebuild trust and win back millions of voters who have lost faith”.

       She believes his decision to quit the government was a “powerful statement of principle” and showed the conviction and courage needed in a leader.

       ‘Robert has the clarity to tackle challenges head on’

       In an exclusive article for The Telegraph, Mrs Braverman said: “Robert has laid out a clear, unambiguous plan to address the issues that matter most to our voters. He understands that leadership requires not just vision but the determination to see it through, even when it is difficult.

       “We must not be timid nor must we hesitate. We need a leader with the clarity and strength to tackle challenges head-on. Robert Jenrick is that leader.

       “His plan to reform migration policy by withdrawing from the ECHR and placing a cap on visas is not just necessary; it is the foundation upon which we can rebuild trust and win back millions of voters who have lost faith.

       “And having spent decades dealing with these legal frameworks myself, from an immigration barrister to attorney general and then home secretary, I remain utterly convinced that it is the responsible way forward.

       “Our party stands at a crossroads, but I am confident that, under the right leadership, we can rise to meet this moment. We have done it before, and we will do it again. With courage, conviction, and a clear sense of purpose, we can lead Britain into a new era of opportunity and prosperity.

       “Robert Jenrick has the vision and the resolve to take us there, and I believe he is the leader who can unite us and deliver the future that Britain deserves.”