Backing Ms Truss from No 10, the pair said they represented “proper Toryism” after the cabinet minister promised to cut taxes from “day one” if she wins the contest. In a swipe at rival Rishi Sunak, the former chancellor who resigned from Mr Johnson’s cabinet last week, Mr Rees-Mogg said she had “always opposed Rishi’s higher taxes”. Pressed on whether she is the “candidate to stop Rishi”, he added: “Liz is the best candidate — that’s what we’re looking for.” Interjecting, Ms Dorris added: “And she’s a woman.” Their announcement – after a cabinet meeting – came as Grant Shapps, the transport secretary, quit the race to back former chancellor Mr Sunak in the contest. “Thank you so much to my team for helping put together my leadership bid in literally no time!” said the cabinet minister. “Among a field of brilliant candidates I spoke to Rishi Sunak who I believe has the ability and experience to lead this country.” As candidates race to reach the 20-nomination threshold to get onto the MP ballot by Tuesday afternoon, a survey of Tory loyalists also showed Penny Mordaunt and Kemi Badenoch as the current favourites. Conservative Home – a news and analysis blog popular with grassroots campaigners – conducted a survey of its readers and the leading candidate to replace Boris Johnson is Ms Mordaunt. The international trade minister, who was previously in the cabinet office, received 19.6 per cent, with Kemi Badenoch, the former equalities minister, a close second on 18.7 per cent. Mr Sunak, who currently has the most MPs backing him with 37, came third with 12.1%. Brexit campaigner Suella Braverman, who has pledged to withdraw Britain from the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) if she wins, came fourth with 11.5%.
