The former health minister said Mr Sunak had a “tremendous ability” to deal with the challenging economy, but also said his character would suit the top job. “Rishi is one of the most decent straight people with the highest standards of integrity I have ever met in British politics,” he said. And that’s why I would be proud to have him as my next prime minister.” Politics Hub: The latest reaction from Westminster as the field to become next PM narrows A total of six candidates made it through to the first round of voting, with the chairman of the 1922 support committee, Sir Graham Brady, revealing the number of MPs who had supported each of them. Those who made it to the next round are: However, while Mr Sunak is leading the Commons vote, Ms Mordaud is leading two polls of the wider Tory membership. Mr Hunt secured the support of only 18 MPs in the first round of voting on Wednesday, short of the 30 threshold. But he was not alone, as the new chancellor, Mr Zahawi, also failed to make the mark, with the support of only 25 MPs. Tory MPs will vote again on Thursday as they continue to narrow the field to the final two candidates. Mr Zahawi, who was appointed chancellor just last week, issued a statement saying his “ultimate focus” would now be on the Finance Ministry as “the manager of the nation’s finances”. He added: “I was there for her [leadership] because I have a passionate vision for the UK I want to see. A place where competence, skills and productivity are key to achieving success and where opportunities exist for all. “Clearly my involvement in the competition is now over. My priority is my job as Chancellor of the Exchequer.” Mr Hunt, who was in the bottom two to run against Boris Johnson in the last leadership election, gave “kind advice” to those still in the race, warning them of “smearing and attacking” for ” short term regular benefit’. “The nation is watching and fed up with our drama,” he added. Image: (L-R) Nadhim Zahawi and Jeremy Hunt When it came to the first round winners, Ms Mordaunt posted a video thanking her supporters, while Mr Tugendhat, who chairs the foreign affairs select committee, called it a “fantastic result” for his campaign. He also tweeted his condolences to Mr Zahawi, saying: “You are a great person, you were a great candidate and you are a great friend. Frontline politics needs you.” Ms Braverman, who is the attorney general, also tweeted her thanks and a spokeswoman for the secretary of state Ms Truss called on MPs to “unite” behind her, saying she would “cut taxes, get real economic change we need from the day. one and ensure that Putin loses in Ukraine.” Read more: How many supporters does each Tory candidate have so far? Who are the candidates for prime minister and what are their policies? Ms Badenoch said she was “grateful” to be through to the next stage, adding: “Our party must stand as the party of change. I have the conviction, courage and clarity of thought to bring about this change.” There is still more to go in the competition until the final two candidates arrive, with the second round of voting taking place on Thursday. There were reports that a higher threshold would be imposed, but instead, the person with the lowest number of votes will be kicked out of the competition – although others may choose to withdraw. The final stage is expected to be reached by the end of next week at the latest, leaving the final pair to go on summer outings and face the wider Tory party vote – resulting in an announcement on September 5. The leadership contest was sparked after Johnson announced his departure from Downing Street last week. There followed an avalanche of ministerial resignations over the handling of disgraced MP Chris Pincher and accusations he had lied about what he knew about the former deputy chief whip’s misconduct. Johnson remains at No 10 as caretaker prime minister for the duration of the contest. But Labor is pushing for the prime minister to step down immediately, seeking a vote of confidence in him and the government – potentially triggering a general election. Instead, the government called for a confidence vote on its own, allowing it to set the wording to make it easier for Mr Johnson’s Tory critics to vote in favour. Sky News is hosting a live televised debate with the candidates vying to be the next leader of the Conservative Party and therefore prime minister, and you could be in the virtual audience. The debate will take place on Monday 18 July hosted by Sky News presenter Kay Burley. If you would like to join the virtual audience and have the chance to ask a question, please email [email protected]
