State of the race for Tory leadership
The race to become Conservative leader is entering the final week of selection by MPs, with the field continuing to narrow.
Four of the six current riders will be forced out before the end of the week in a series of votes by their parliamentary colleagues, leaving the final two to go head-to-head for votes from the Tory grassroots.
So what is the current state of play – who has the most backers, who is the smart money on and who could prove to be a dark horse?
Boris Johnson
The International Development Secretary squeaked through the initial rounds with 19 MPs backing him.
Another dark horse, although he started with odds of 100/1 he is now at a canter with odds of 12/1 on Betfair Exchange.
He has not shied away from confrontation, denouncing Mr Raab’s desire to prorogue Parliament, and has won plaudits for a campaign where he has been speaking to the public in various parts of London.
The newest member of Cabinet, Mr Stewart has managed to win a backer in Justice Secretary David Gauke.
