A "leadership contender" refers to a person who is competing or contending for a position of leadership. They are someone who is aspiring or trying to gain a leadership role in an organization, team, or political party. Full definition
Similar and related words and phrases are presented below.
As a recent former leadership contender, however, his views make more waves. (conservativehome.blogs.com)
First, since we've been discussing how few people actually know who the Conservative leadership contenders are, there was a question on recognition. (ukpollingreport.co.uk)
She made a few suggestions about potential leadership contenders. (ukpollingreport.co.uk)