Ms Dorris hit out at online claims that Sunak’s camp had lent votes to Jeremy Hunt, the former health secretary who is seeking the leadership, saying it amounted to a “stitch” and “dark arts”. “Team Rishi want the candidate they know can definitely win in the last two and that’s Jeremy Hunt,” he tweeted. Both Mr Sunak’s team and Mr Hunt denied the claim. Mr Hunt said: “We run completely independent campaigns.” The public discussion of the complaints reflected a frenzied mood in the Tory backbenches as the battle to choose Mr Johnson’s successor intensifies. Mr Sunak, who has the backing of more declared MPs than any rival, received the endorsements of Dominic Raab, the deputy prime minister, and Mr Shapps, both of whom attended the official launch of his campaign on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Liz Truss, whose team is trying to present her as the most viable “stop Rishi” candidate, has secured the support of Jacob Rees-Mogg, the Brexit secretary, and Ms Dorries, who both announced the their support in Downing Street. Ms Patel, who did not launch a leadership bid after wavering, and Mr Javid, who held an official launch event on Monday, have yet to say who they will back now. Their support is sure to be eagerly sought by the other candidates.
