Oting is in the running for the next round of the Conservative leadership contest. It comes as the Conservative leadership candidates will be narrowed down to just four on Monday as MPs vote in the third round of the contest. The third vote will be held from 5pm to 7pm on Monday, with results at 8pm. It comes after the final televised Tory leadership debate was canceled earlier today after frontrunners Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss refused to take part. The five remaining candidates engaged in a series of nasty exchanges in the final televised debate – hosted by ITV – on Sunday night.

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An insider to the Secretary of State’s campaign told the Standard “it was not necessary for me to take part at this stage”. They added that Ms Truss would be “delighted” to take part in a debate if she made it to the bottom two. Mr Sunak’s team also confirmed he would not be taking part. A campaign source said: “We’re very happy to have more discussions if we’re lucky enough to get to the next stage, including with Sky News.” In an email announcing the cancellation of the debate, Sky News said: “Conservative MPs are said to be concerned about the damage the debates are doing to the image of the Conservative Party by exposing divisions and divisions within the party.” At 10 p.m. MPs will vote on whether they have confidence in the government with a debate currently taking place in the Commons.

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Starmer says PM forced out in ‘shame’

Opposition Leader Sir Keir Starmer said the Prime Minister had been forced to step down “in disgrace”. The Labor leader said: “Unlike his predecessors, this Prime Minister has not been forced out because of policy disagreements. “And despite the delusions he has cultivated in his shelter, he has not been overcome by the tumult of an eccentric herd. Instead, he was forced to leave in disgrace.” 1658162592

Outlining his government’s support for Ukraine, Boris Johnson said: “If it’s true that I’m more popular on the streets of Kiev at the moment than in Kensington – if – that’s because of the foresight and courage of this government to becoming the first European country to send them arms, a decision made possible by the biggest investment in defense since the Cold War. “While I believe the conflict will continue to be very fierce and our thoughts and prayers must continue to be with the people of Ukraine, I believe they must win and that they will win.” 1658161355

Conservative MP: Party repeats Labour’s mistake of losing a leader

A Conservative MP has said his party made the same mistake Labor did when they ousted Tony Blair as prime minister. Michael Fabricant said: “I personally think our party is making the same mistake that Labor did when they stabbed Tony Blair.” 1658161220

The prime minister expects to win a vote of confidence

The prime minister said he expects to “win” the vote of confidence in his government. Opening the debate he said he had “no idea” why Labor leader Sir Keir Starmer had insisted on the vote prompting Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle to tell him “it’s actually the government that has put it down today”. The prime minister added: “He (Sir Keir) wants one and since they want it, it is his constitutional prerogative, we will comply and win.” 1658160376

Boris Johnson’s new documentary on the way

Channel 4, which is under threat of privatization by the government, has announced a new documentary series about Boris Johnson. The series, which will span four-hour episodes, is simply called Boris. A Channel spokesman said it would use “rare archive footage” and interviews with people “with intimate knowledge of Johnson over the years” to give a “bigger picture” of the man and his career. 1658157348

Labor launches a fierce attack on the Prime Minister in the Commons

The Prime Minister is too busy planning for parties rather than planning for Britain, Labor said. Shadow Cabinet Office minister Fleur Anderson told the Commons: “Once again, when faced with a national climate emergency which they could see coming a mile away, ministers were asleep at the wheel. “The Prime Minister is too busy planning parties rather than planning for Britain. Anyone else have deja vu? “The Prime Minister has already missed two Cobra meetings, it has been acknowledged, over the red heat warning and is about to miss a third – the same man who missed five Cobra meetings in the weeks before the pandemic began. “This finished Prime Minister is already closed, that’s clear, but with 49 perilous days to go.” Ms Anderson said “the heatwave is a reminder that the government has not dealt with the growing climate emergency facing our country”, adding: “Where is the plan to deliver essential services and how will we keep people safe in work, transport, hospital, nursing homes and schools in the next few days? “Where is the advice for vulnerable workers who face working in intolerable conditions?” 1658156738

Steve Barclay: The party will unite behind the new prime minister

Cabinet minister Steve Barclay said the Tory party would unite behind the new prime minister despite infighting during the “intense” leadership contest. Health Minister supporter Rishi Sunak told reporters: “I think it’s extremely healthy for the party that we have such a strong field of candidates for MPs and then members to choose from. “The party will unite behind the new prime minister and it is good that we are having a full and vigorous debate on the issues.” 1658155909

Tom Tugendhat: I deplore infighting

Tory leadership hopeful Tom Tugendhat has hit out at the “infighting”, “sniping” and “snipped” of the campaign so far to replace Boris Johnson. In a closed-door speech organized by the 1922 Commission, the PA news agency understands he hit out at hostilities between rival camps as he warned the Conservatives must unite after the hard-fought battle. “Let’s not forget that when this is over we must unite. We must come together and speak as one. I have lamented the infighting, the snipers, the blue on blue, the attacks and the spots. We don’t need that, not now or ever. “Because we fight on every side. “A resurgent but easily defeated Labor Party is profiting from our discord and division.” Mr Tugendhat also told Tory MPs he did not plan to give a concession speech before another round of votes later on Monday, but also said he was not naive. “I know well the mountain I still have to climb.” 1658154983

Liz Truss showcased “weighty credentials” during the games

Tory leadership candidate Liz Truss put her “heavy economic credentials” on display in the 1922 Commission posts, according to a campaign source. The source told the PA news agency: “Liz talked about her strong credentials in the economy and her track record of delivering Brexit opportunities. “The next election will be about the cost of living and Liz is the only candidate with the plan and experience to deliver a sound conservative economic agenda.” 1658154939

Tom Tugendhat says he won’t retire before the crucial vote later

Tom Tugendhat has said he will not withdraw from the Tory leadership race despite facing the prospect of being voted out in MPs’ final vote on Monday. Speaking at a closed-door breach organized by the 1922 committee, Mr Tugendhat said he knew his support from Tory MPs was likely to be lower than his rivals. The PA news agency understands he told MPs: “Tonight we go to the polls again. “And some of my colleagues suggested that I step aside, get behind someone else, that I’ve had a good campaign and I can leave with my head held high. “It will come as no surprise that some have suggested I could leave with a job as well. But my point is clear. It’s not for me to make that decision – it’s for you. “If I were to stand down now, then someone else would be eliminated tonight without an opportunity to make their case further, without an opportunity for you to judge them, look at their record and make one of the most important decisions of our time in Parliament.”