Mel Stride is the newest Tory chief hopeful ousted as Robert Jenrick tops the poll of MPs once more forward of Kemi Badenoch in second place – with the battle shifting to social gathering convention

Mel Stride turned the newest contender ousted from the Tory management immediately as Robert Jenrick topped the MP poll once more.

The Parliamentary social gathering has whittled down the sphere to succeed Rishi Sunak from 5 to 4.

Mr Jenrick was seen because the frontrunner after topping the primary spherical final week, however tensions are rising with Kemi Badenoch’s allies amid allegations of ‘soiled tips’ on either side. He acquired 33 votes whereas she picked up 28.

Shadow residence secretary James Cleverly has been boasting of latest supporters, selecting up endorsements from Greg Smith and Alec Shelbrooke – who each backed Priti Patel till she was eradicated.

Nonetheless, he was behind Ms Badenoch with 21, tied with Tom Tugendhat. Mr Stride had 16 and was kicked out.   

These left standing will get to make their case at social gathering convention – earlier than a closing two are put to members.

The timetable means Rishi Sunak will keep in cost till November 2, together with responding to Rachel Reeves’ essential Funds on October 30. 

Former immigration minister Mr Jenrick secured probably the most votes from Tory MPs final week on 28, six forward of Ms Badenoch on 22.

Ms Badenoch was  barely forward of ex-home secretary Mr Cleverly, who acquired 21 to put third.

Her supporters are questioning whether or not her marketing campaign has misplaced momentum – or if tactical voting is at play.

Some consider a bunch of Jenrick-backing MPs ‘lent’ their assist to Mr Cleverly in a bid to spice up his numbers – as a result of they consider he will likely be simpler to defeat within the closing run-off.

The claims have been dismissed by Mr Jenrick’s camp as a ‘determined’ try and derail him.

Sir Alec stated Mr Cleverly has the ‘abilities and expertise wanted to win again the voters that we misplaced in 2024 and the flexibility to speak a optimistic Conservative imaginative and prescient for our nation’.

Showing alongside the management contender in a social media video filmed close to Parliament, Mr Smith stated: ‘We’d like a frontrunner that may unite us… I feel you are able to do it. So I will vote for you tomorrow.’