James Cleverly has insisted he remains fully behind Kemi Badenoch, amid suspicions he is eyeing up the Tory leadership following her local election drubbing. Mr Cleverly has ramped up activity in recent months, speaking at numerous Conservative Party association events.

Research by the Express revealed that the former Home Secretary has spoken at five dinners this year so far, and is set to appear at at least five more by September. Mr Cleverly narrowly missed out on a spot in the final two of last year’s Tory leadership contest between Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick. Last week the top Tory declined to rule out another shot at the leadership, telling GB News: “I just say, never say never again.”

“I don’t rule anything in, don’t rule anything out.”

Mr Cleverly’s speaking tour includes:

• Kent, 8 February
• South West, 21 February
• West Suffolk, 6 March
• Kenilworth & Southern, 15 March
• Conservative Friends of the Armed Forces, 23 April
• Kensinton, 15 May
• South West Herts, 27 May
• Wantage & Didcot, 3 June
• Torridge & Tavistock, 10 June
• Maidenhead, 25 September

Ms Badenoch’s authority is creaking following this week’s disastrous local election results, which saw the Tories receiving a pummelling from all sides.

The Tory leader herself described the loss of 674 councils, including hundreds to Reform UK, as a “bloodbath”.

Mr Cleverly insists he remains loyal to the party leader, telling this paper: “I’ve always supported grassroots events and association fundraisers and I’ll continue to do so.”

“Kemi knows she has my full support, unity and discipline are essential if we want to earn the public’s trust and win the next election.”

A former advisor to the ex Foreign Secretary suggested Mr Cleverly has begun has begun reassembling a leadership campaign team.

He faced criticism during last year’s failed contest attempt for a lacklustre campaign, which got off the ground too late.

Senior Tories have also been plotting to oust Ms Badenoch and replace her with Robert Jenrick, the shadow Justice Secretary.