There is talk of a televised debate between the contenders - WHY? It is allegedly an internal party political contest with no possible wider national interest.
I think its another step to the Americanisation of British society. In the US they televise all contender debates and have people saying they are a republican/democrat or other supporter even though they arent members of those political parties.
On your first post I don't think what someone looks like is indicative of how they will act. The Tories have been more representative at MP level than Labour. But then identity politics also relies on stereotypes and we can't really say May was a kind and considerate woman?