Another Tory chief hopeful might be ousted by MPs TODAY
Another Tory leader contender faces eviction today as MPs stage the latest round of voting.
Desperate wrangling is in full swing at Westminster with the field to succeed Rishi Sunak set to be whittled down from five to four.
Robert Jenrick is seen as the frontrunner after topping the first round last week, but tensions are rising with Kemi Badenoch‘s allies amid allegations of ‘dirty tricks’ on both sides.
Meanwhile, shadow home secretary James Cleverly has been boasting of new supporters, picking up endorsements from Greg Smith and Alec Shelbrooke – who both backed Priti Patel until she was eliminated.
Tom Tugendhat and Mel Stride are the other hopefuls.
Those left standing after the result is announced at 5pm will get to make their case at party conference – before a final two are put to members.
Robert Jenrick is seen as the frontrunner after topping the first round last week, but tensions are rising with Kemi Badenoch ‘s allies amid allegations of ‘dirty tricks’ on both sides
Ms Badenoch has complained that the Tories ‘talked right but governed left’ and ‘acted like Labour’
The timetable means Rishi Sunak will stay in charge until November 2, including responding to Rachel Reeves’ crucial Budget on October 30.
Former immigration minister Mr Jenrick secured the most votes from Tory MPs last week on 28, six ahead of Ms Badenoch on 22.
Ms Badenoch was barely ahead of ex-home secretary Mr Cleverly, who received 21 to place third.
Her supporters are questioning whether her campaign has lost momentum – or if tactical voting is at play.
Some believe a group of Jenrick-backing MPs ‘lent’ their support to Mr Cleverly in a bid to boost his numbers – because they believe he will be easier to defeat in the final run-off.
The claims have been dismissed by Mr Jenrick’s camp as a ‘desperate’ attempt to derail him.
Sir Alec said Mr Cleverly has the ‘skills and experience needed to win back the voters that we lost in 2024 and the ability to communicate a positive Conservative vision for our country’.
Appearing alongside the leadership contender in a social media video filmed near Parliament, Mr Smith said: ‘We need a leader that can unite us… I think you can do it. So I’m going to vote for you tomorrow.’
Last week Ms Badenoch was barely ahead of ex-home secretary James Cleverly (pictured), who received 21 to place third
Tom Tugendhat (left) and Mel Stride (right) are the other contenders still in the running
