Tory leader hopefuls are making last-ditch efforts to garner backing from MPs today ahead of the next crunch vote.
The field to take over from Rishi Sunak is set to be whittled down from five to four tomorrow, with desperate wrangling under way in Westminster.
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.
Shadow ministers James Cleverly, Tom Tugendhat and Mel Stride are the other contenders, after Priti Patel was knocked out.
The quintet will appear at hustings behind closed doors with the powerful 1922 committee this evening.
Those left standing tomorrow afternoon will get to make their case at party conference in three weeks’ time – 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.
Both the favourites have been giving a damning assessment of the previous government’s performance.
Ms Badenoch has complained that the Tories ‘talked right but governed left’ and ‘acted like Labour’.
Mr Jenrick has focused his campaign on immigration, with a promise to introduce a binding cap on the number of legal migrants and to leave the European Convention on Human Rights.
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
