'What the hell are you doing?' Vote-lending rumours run riot as dust settles on Cleverly ousting

No10 in Falklands track-back after Starmer's 'torpedo' comment

Downing Street has been pushed into issuing a clarification on Sir Keir Starmer's Falklands War claim at Prime Minister's Questions earlier today.

Starmer had told the Commons the conflict had been "personal" to him - and detailed how his "uncle nearly lost his life when his ship was torpedoed defending the Falklands".

The PM added: "They are British and they will remain British. And sovereignty in Gibraltar is equally not to be negotiated."

Afterwards, commentators pointed out that no British ship had been torpedoed in the war.

But now, No10 has hit back, saying Starmer misspoke - and meant to tell MPs how his uncle was aboard a vessel which was bombed by Argentinian forces.

Badenoch 'absolutely delighted' by today's vote as she commits to 'Project 2030' pledge

I’m absolutely delighted to have topped the MP phase of this contest. A huge thank you to all the MPs who put their faith in me especially those who campaigned for me. I am incredibly grateful to all my supporters, both members and non-members, online and offline who kept me…

— Kemi Badenoch (@KemiBadenoch) October 9, 2024

Kemi Badenoch has voiced her "absolute delight" at progressing to the final two of the Conservative leadership contest today.

Writing on social media, the shadow housing secretary said: "I'm absolutely delighted to have topped the MP phase of this contest.

"A huge thank you to all the MPs who put their faith in me especially those who campaigned for me.

"I am incredibly grateful to all my supporters, both members and non-members, online and offline who kept me going.

"There is much to do, and I'm going to fight for every member vote, but tonight I just want to say THANK YOU.

"This campaign has never been about me. It is about Renewal 2030, fixing the broken system and renewing our party and country."

ICYMI: James Cleverly BOOTED OUT of Tory leadership contest in major upset with MPs left bewildered

Bookies' favourite James Cleverly was shockingly booted out of the Tory leadership race after the party's fourth round of voting - leaving a duo of Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick to battle it out for victory in a membership-wide ballot.

MPs cast their ballots this afternoon before the results were announced just after 3.30pm.

The total votes cast were as follows:

Kemi Badenoch - 42 votes
Robert Jenrick - 41 votes
James Cleverly - 37 votes (eliminated)

Yesterday's results looked to have heralded the arrival of a new frontrunner: James Cleverly, Rishi Sunak's Home Secretary - who won plaudits for his rabble-rousing speech at the party conference in Birmingham.

But Tom Tugendhat's 20 voters from yesterday appear to have coalesced around the two candidates further to the right of the remaining trio.

When the result was announced, MPs gathered to hear the outcome audibly gasped at the shock result - which has left the Conservative Party reeling.

An online ballot of the final two candidates will now be held between tomorrow and October 31 with a result expected on November 2.

James Cleverly labels result 'massively disappointing' - but hails support throughout campaign

A message from the boss👇 pic.twitter.com/aqRSenodsf

— Cleverly for Leader (@jcforleader) October 9, 2024

Ousted Tory leadership contender James Cleverly has labelled the result of this afternoon's vote "massively disappointing".

Addressing his followers on social media from the "Cleverly for Leader" campaign account, the shadow home secretary said: "We didn't do it. I didn't make it through - and that is massively disappointing for me.

"One of the things which has really lifted my spirits is how many people have given me and the team so much support.

"So I want to say a huge thank you to you all - could not have done any of this without you. It makes me proud to be a Conservative, makes me proud that we can pull together as a team. Thank you, thank you, thank you."

Starmer caps tributes to Holocaust survivor Lily Ebert

On behalf of the whole country, I want to send my deepest condolences on the passing of the extraordinary Lily Ebert. pic.twitter.com/MeAK3x5Yvb

— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) October 9, 2024

The Prime Minister has joined politicians and public figures in paying tribute to Hungarian-born British Auschwitz survivor Lily Ebert, who died today aged 100.

Ebert, who was honoured by the King with an MBE for services to Holocaust education in 2023, had made headlines four years ago by searching for the family of an American soldier who saved her from a death march in Germany.

Sir Keir Starmer released a statement this evening hailing Ebert as "extraordinary" - echoing the words of King Charles earlier in the day.

Read the full statement above

Decision Time: The Race to Lead - Fresh details as Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick join special GB News event

GB News can share fresh details about next week's live televised Conservative Party leadership event being hosted by The People's Channel.

Decision Time: The Race to Lead will air on The People's Channel from 7pm on Thursday October 17 and be chaired by GB News' Political Editor Christopher Hope.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Boris Johnson pays tribute to knocked-out ally Cleverly - but won't be drawn on ECHR

Footage has emerged of Boris Johnson's reaction to the news that long-time ally James Cleverly was eliminated from the Tory leadership race this afternoon.

Speaking to The Sun, Johnson was on camera when the newspaper's political editor announced the results of the final MPs' ballot to the former Prime Minister.

Johnson's initial reply was a shocked "Strike me be... Really? Well, there you go!" - then, the ex-PM said, with a wry smile, "my reaction to that is... I will watch the rest of the proceedings with great interest".

He continued: "I think, by the way, that James has been - as was Tom [Tugendhat] - an excellent contestant. James and I go back a long, long way - I've been a friend of his for many, many years. I wish him all the best, but also, I wish the two finalists all the best."

When asked whether he agreed with Robert Jenrick that Britain should leave the ECHR, Johnson replied: "I, I, I, I..." - then laughed off the question, saying: "I'm already on the record on that."

Just days ago, the one-time Mayor of London told The Telegraph that there was a "strong case" for a vote on ECHR membership.

Badenoch reacts as she makes final two

Commiserations to my friend, @JamesCleverly.
He ran a campaign full of energy, ideas and optimism. James has shown great leadership at many levels including holding two of the great offices of state.

He has dedicated himself to the Conservative party and I look forward to…

— Kemi Badenoch (@KemiBadenoch) October 9, 2024

Like Robert Jenrick, Kemi Badenoch has also been gracious in victory.

Writing on social media just minutes ago, the shadow housing secretary said: "Commiserations to my friend, James Cleverly.

"He ran a campaign full of energy, ideas and optimism.

"James has shown great leadership at many levels including holding two of the great offices of state.

"He has dedicated himself to the Conservative party and I look forward to continuing to work with him."

Jenrick teases top role for Cleverly if he wins final leadership battle

What a campaign @JamesCleverly. You fought brilliantly and had a great conference. The Conservative Party needs you in its top team in the years ahead. pic.twitter.com/hT3clV0ywH

— Robert Jenrick (@RobertJenrick) October 9, 2024

Robert Jenrick has issued a warm statement to James Cleverly after the latter's exit from the Tory leadership race today - and has hinted that he could enlist his former rival's help if he's victorious in the party's final leadership battle.

Writing on social media, Jenrick said: "What a campaign, James Cleverly.

"You fought brilliantly and had a great conference.

"The Conservative Party needs you in its top team in the years ahead."

Robert Jenrick speaks to GB News

Robert Jenrick has told Christopher Hope he is "absolutely delighted" to have made it through to the final two Tory leadership candidates - who will go head-to-head live on GB News.

Jenrick talked up how Tory MPs "respected" his message, which he said "resonated" - and has now vowed that both the party and the country "has to change".

He said: "I have a very specific plan as to how we do that - whether it's improving the NHS, getting growth going again in our economy, or - yes - securing our borders.

"I don't believe in platitudes... I want us to have a serious plan now for how as to how we move forward and get this party back into gear for the good of our country."

Like Andrew Griffith, Jenrick was asked why Tory MPs turned on James Cleverly to put himself and Badenoch through - but remained coy on any behind-the-scenes politicking.

He told GB News: "I think, in the privacy of the ballot box, my colleagues have voted for who they think is the best person to take this party forward.

"I'm honoured that so many of them have put their faith in me."

He quashed accusations of tactical vote-lending in the ballots as "in the conspiracy theory box" - "It didn't happen," he added.

Asked whether the choice between himself and Badenoch was a "leave or remain" battle on the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), Jenrick said leaving the institution was the "only way" Britain could control its borders and "get foreign criminals out of our country".

"I want our party to be the serious party, once again, of British politics - with answers to the questions that the public really demand of us," he added.

Jenrick has also pushed for the final round of voting to be curtailed by a few days in order to provide a better opposition to Rachel Reeves's Budget - though it remains to be seen whether Badenoch will agree.

Andrew Griffith: 'Kemi is the one'

Conservative MP Andrew Griffith has told GB News he thinks the final two Tory candidates are both "excellent" - but "Kemi is the one that can really cut through".

Asked just how the party had pivoted in the manner it did this afternoon, Griffith pointed to Badenoch's track record in piling on the votes in each round.

He told Christopher Hope: "Every time somebody else has left, Kemi's got more support. That's what we've seen again today - topping the ballot... We've had a really good contest here - I applaud all the colleagues who have put themselves forward - but I think Kemi's now in a really strong position.

"She's always been the one that members wanted to see in that final."

The MP for Arundel and South Downs rebuffed claims that the final two was a choiceless right-wing on right-wing contest, telling The People's Channel: "No, I don't accept that. Both candidates are drawing support from across the party.

"Kemi, in particular, has got support from every intake - from David Davis right to some of those people who've only been in Parliament a few weeks. She's got that ability to cut through - those are the sort of qualities that make her the candidate that Labour fears the most."

Lib Dems join Labour's pile-on in stinging stab at final two 

The Liberal Democrats have issued their own barb at the remaining two Tory leadership contenders after this afternoon's result.

A statement from the party reads: "If this were an interview process, they would've put the job advert up again!"

Ousted Cleverly calls for unity in wake of shock exit

I’m grateful for the support I’ve received on this campaign from colleagues, party members and the public.

Sadly it wasn’t to be. We are all Conservatives, and it’s important the Conservative Party unites to take on this catastrophic Labour government.

— James Cleverly🇬🇧 (@JamesCleverly) October 9, 2024

James Cleverly has broken his silence in the wake of his failure to make it to the final Tory two.

Writing on social media, the shadow home secretary said: "I'm grateful for the support I've received on this campaign from colleagues, party members and the public.

"Sadly, it wasn't to be.

"We are all Conservatives, and it's important the Conservative Party unites to take on this catastrophic Labour Government."

'No amount of campaigning... can amount to the sheer DUPLICITY of Tory MPs,' strategist says

A Conservative strategist has told GB News: "There is no amount of campaigning, messaging and briefing that can account for the sheer duplicity of Tory MPs," as Westminster reels from Cleverly's exit from the party's leadership race.

Badenoch takes top spot as bookies react to Cleverly exit 

It's not just politicians in uproar over James Cleverly's brutal last-second eviction at the hands of Tory MPs.

Bookies - who had the ex-Home Secretary leading the pack until today - now have Kemi Badenoch odds-on favourite at 4/7 to be next Tory leader - with Robert Jenrick at 2/1.

Labour lashes out at 'hapless' Tory 'architects of failure'

Ellie Reeves, the Labour Party Chair, has issued a scathing statement in response to today's vote.

She said: "After months of gaffes, wild unfunded policies and infighting, Tory members now have the unenviable task of choosing between two of the architects of Tory failure.

"Both Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick are central figures in 14 years of hapless leadership and decline, and have already proven they've learned nothing from the mistakes that took the Conservative Party to its worst defeat in modern history.

"While the endless bickering continues, Labour is fixing the foundations and sorting out the mess that these two deeply unimpressive figures left behind!"

'Inexplicable!' - Team Jenrick reacts to shock Cleverly exit 

"You can see most things coming... But nobody saw James Cleverly going out. He was the effective leader of the opposition until 10 minutes ago," Christopher Hope tells GB News.

Chopper has been joined by Tory MP and Robert Jenrick campaign spokesman Danny Kruger, who called the vote "inexplicable" - and offered a conciliatory message of commiseration to Cleverly.

Kruger told GB News: "Now we've got Rob and Kemi - I think enough people decided those were the right two to put to the membership.

"I think the members want one of those two, by the way... I think people will be pleased by this outcome."

He talked up the remaining pair - both of whom, he said, "stand for change" - but he added that "Robert stands for it best, because he has a comprehensive plan on how to win back the voters that we lost to Reform on one side, and to the Liberal Democrats and Labour on the other".

Westminster reels from shock Tory twist in the tale

Wow!

— Christopher Hope📝 (@christopherhope) October 9, 2024

Onlookers expecting a straightforward race between yesterday's second- and third-placed candidates have been left reeling after both of them made it through the final round of MPs' voting.

GB News' Political Editor Christopher Hope's social media post sums up the reaction in Westminster - "Wow!"

ICYMI: Starmer brutally mocked for Sue Gray saga as Sunak takes swipe at Labour chaos - 'When did he become in favour of fire and rehire?'

At PMQs earlier, Sir Keir Starmer was mocked by Rishi Sunak over the departure of Sue Gray as his chief of staff.

Mr Sunak told the Commons at Prime Minister’s Questions: "Tomorrow the Government will publish their anticipated changes to employment law, given the weekend’s events, when did the Prime Minister first become a convert to fire and rehire?"

Sir Keir responded: "I’m very pleased and proud that tomorrow we will publish the Bill which will be the biggest upgrade of workers’ rights in a generation.

"And that’ll do two things, firstly, it will give people basic dignity at work, and secondly, it will help grow our economy, something that the last government absolutely failed on for 14 long years."

Minutes remain until final two Tory leadership candidates confirmed

In just a few minutes' time, the Conservative leadership contest is set to take one of its final twists, with the party whittling down its three remaining candidates for the top job to two.

In yesterday's round of voting, the party's MPs cast their votes as follows:

• James Cleverly (39 votes)
• Robert Jenrick (31 votes)
• Kemi Badenoch (30 votes)

Scottish Labour stunned by rebellion that sees Holyrood vote to REVERSE winter fuel cut

Scottish Labour Anas Sarwar was caught off-guard when two of his MSPs rebelled in a vote urging the UK Government to reverse the winter fuel payment cut.

Labour MSPs largely stood by UK Labour’s decision to press ahead with the adversely affect hundreds of thousands of pensioners this winter.

The non-binding motion from First Minister John Swinney was passed by 99 votes to 14, with members of all other parties voting with the SNP Government.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

Starmer says homeless veterans are at 'the front of the social housing queue'

Labour MP for Gloucester Alex McIntyre asked Starmer: "Can the Prime Minister update this House on what this Government is doing to support veterans, in particular how he will meet his promise to make sure that every veteran in Gloucester has a roof over their head?"

The Prime Minister said: "We owe an enormous debt to all of our veterans, and it was a great honour to announce at our party conference that our plans to build new homes across the country will ensure that homeless veterans are at the frontline of the queue for new social housing.

"Recognising the incredible sacrifice and contribution that they make we will repay all those who served us and house all veterans in housing needs, ensuring homes are there for heroes. We’re also ensuring veterans have access to support including with mental health and employment."

Labour MP Dawn Butler asks if the prime minister thinks it is 'important' to have a debate on Black History Month

The Brent East Labour MP thanked the Speaker for an event he is hosting with a tribute to legendary Motown group, The Temptations.

Butler used the last question of PMQ's to ask if it was important to have a debate on the month, which this year has the theme of "Reclaiming the Narrative."

She said: "October is Black History Month, and the theme this year is reclaiming the narrative. I want to thank Mr Speaker for the event that you will be doing in your apartments with The Temptations tribute band and the Prime Minister will be having an event in No 10 this evening.

"Will the Prime Minister agree with me that it’s important that we continue to have a debate on the floor of this house during Government time on Black History Month?"

Sir Keir replied: "I’m not sure, just at the moment, going to something that’s labelled ‘temptations’ is quite where I need to be at. But look, this is a really important initiative. It is important it’s being marked and I’m very pleased to be hosting the event this evening, to which I think she is coming."

Starmer questioned over adult day centres being cut

High Peak MP Jon Pearce said that adult day centres are being cut in Derbyshire, and relays some of the personal experiences of constituents who have dementia.

The Prime Minister says he is shocked to hear about the impact of cuts in Derbyshire, and says that councils were at the front line of the "ruinous economic failure" of the last government.

He adds the Labour will provide councils will long-term financial support to councils.

Starmer skewered over controversial private school VAT raid

Shivani Raja said the controversial plan "strips hard-working families of the choice of what is best for their children" adding there were fears of job losses, and squeezing the state education sector to its "absolute limit."

The Conservative MP for Leicester East asked: "What actions is the prime minister taking to mitigate these effects if he is not undertaking an impact assessment to understand them?"

The Prime Minister responded that he does understand that parents "save hard" to send their children to private school. Adding: "The problem is we don't have enough teachers in key subjects in our secondary schools. The party opposite may be willing to tolerate that - I'm not."

The prime minister asks the Conservatives: "If they're not going to make this change, are they going to leave our state secondary schools without the teachers they need - or are they going to cut the education budget? Which is it?"

Davey grills Starmer over youth mobility scheme with the EU

The Liberal Democrat leader asked whether the Prime Minister would reconsider entering a youth mobility scheme with the EU.

Starmer says the Labour party manifesto had "clear red lines" regarding the country's relationship with Europe, and says he will negotiate within those red lines.

Starmer refuses to say whether his pre-election promise not to raise National Insurance applied to both employee and employer National Insurance payments

Sunak asked: "I don’t think even Lord Alli is buying any of that nonsense. I’m not asking about the Budget, I’m asking specifically about the promise he made the British people. So let me ask him again, just to clarify his own promise. Does his commitment not to raise National Insurance apply to both employee and employer National Insurance contributions?"

Sir Keir replied: "We set out our promises in the manifesto. We were returned with a huge majority to change the country for the better, and I stick to my promises in the manifesto."

He added: "I notice it’s question three and he hasn’t yet welcomed the investment into this country. We’ve had in recent months, £8 billion from Amazon for jobs across the country, £10 billion from Blackstone for jobs across the north east, £22 billion on carbon capture, jobs in the North East and North West, £500 million for UK buses in Northern Ireland. While we are investing in our economy, what are they doing? They’re arguing about whether to scrap maternity pay.”

Mr Sunak responded: "I’m very happy to welcome investments that this government negotiated. When it comes to his answer on tax, businesses across the country will have found his answer just as reassuring as Sue Gray did when he promised to protect her job."

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Ed Davey questions Starmer over Falklands ownership 

The Liberal Democrat leader asked: "Fishermen in the Falklands are having to pay huge amount in tariffs to sell their produce into the EU single market or sail under a Spanish flag."

"So when the PM renegotiates with the EU will he remember the overseas territories and ensure that British citizens fishing off the Falklands can sail proudly under the Union Jack?"

Keir Starmer responded: "My uncle nearly lost his life when his ship was hit by a torpedo defending the Falklands. They are British and they will remain British."

Sunak targets Reeves over planned borrowing u-turn

The Tory leader said the change would be nothing more than "fiddling the figures" asking the Prime Minister: "Does he still agree?"

Starmer says that he won't be drawn on issues to do with the budget, adding that the government are rebuilding the NHS and investing in young people

He concludes that after 14 years of Conservative government, Labour are giving the country its future back.

Starmer refuses to rule out National Insurance contributions U-Turn

Sunak told MPs: "When (Sir Keir) talks about security at work, once again, it’s one rule for him and another rule for everyone else.

“But I know that not everything or everyone has survived his first 100 days in Government, so can he confirm that when he promised not to raise income tax, National Insurance or VAT, that commitment applies to both employer and employee National Insurance contributions?”

The Prime Minister replied: "We made an absolute commitment in relation to not raising tax on working people.

"He, of course, was the expert’s expert on raising taxes. What did we get in return for it? We got a broken economy, broken public services, and a £22 billion black hole in the economy. We’re here to stabilise the economy, and we will do so."

Rishi Sunak launches PMQ's with Sue Gray joke

The Leader of the Opposition used his first question to ask about coming changes to employment law.

Referencing Sue Gray, he joked: "When did the PM first become a convert to fire and rehire?"

The Prime Minister ignores the comment, instead focusing on the plans to introduce new worker protection.

PMQ's Live starting in the next few minutes

Sir Keir Starmer and Rishi Sunak will be going head to head at PMQ's in the next few minutes.

Christopher Hope and Gloria De Piero will be analysing all the details on PMQ's Live.

You can have your say and follow along with all the action here on GB News.

Rachel Reeves set to push ahead with plans to borrow billions for investment despite rising Government debt

Rachel Reeves is set to push ahead with plans to borrow billions of pounds for infrastructure investment, despite rising government debt costs.

Reeves intends to change how the Treasury accounts for capital spending to reflect its benefits, a move that could be confirmed to the Office for Budget Responsibility as early as Wednesday, reports show.

This change in accounting methods is expected to allow the government to borrow tens of billions more for capital spending over the course of this parliament.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

MPs to debate Renters’ Rights Bill including end to ‘cruel’ no fault evictions

Proposed protections for tenants are due to be debated in Parliament as the Housing Secretary pledged her commitment to abolishing "cruel" no fault evictions. The Renters’ Rights Bill will have its Second Reading in the Commons on Wednesday.

The Government said the speed of its progress through Parliament signals a determination to put protections in law as soon as possible. The previous government pledged to end section 21 so-called no fault evictions but concern about its impact on landlords and the courts was set to lead to a delay in implementation.

The Conservatives’ Renters (Reform) Bill then ran out of time to progress through Parliament before the election. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, who is also Housing Secretary, said the Renters’ Rights Bill will "transform the sector" with a focus on ensuring stable accommodation for families.

Swinney says North East of Scotland must become ‘powerhouse of renewables revolution’

Scotland’s First Minister is set to speak today at the Scottish Renewables and RenewableUK Floating Offshore Wind conference at the P&J Live in Aberdeen. He is due to discuss how energy is at the centre of his vision for Scotland’s future as "a modern and dynamic nation."

Before his speech, Swinney said: "The North East has been at the heart of Scotland’s recent industrial story, becoming synonymous with the innovation that had fuelled our economy. Now we need it to be the powerhouse of the renewables revolution – and in doing so it will transform our economy once again.

“The Scottish Government is working with developers, industry and academia to make the most of this era-defining opportunity – to use green growth to build a robust wellbeing economy that benefits everyone. No sector better exemplifies this ambition for purposeful collaboration than floating offshore wind."

Sadiq Khan and Yvette Cooper 'pressed' police to give Taylor Swift royal-style escort through London and then received free tickets

Yvette Cooper and Sadiq Khan have been accused of pressing police to give Taylor Swift a royalty-style blue-light escort to Wembley. The pop star performed eight nights at Wembley as part of her Eras World Tour.

Swift's mum and manager, Andrea, is said to have threatened to axe the August shows unless a police convoy was provided.

However, officers from the Met Police were reluctant to grant her the VIP service, which comes at huge expense to the taxpayer.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Rachel Reeves's budget could mean the end of the 'affordable pint' as hiked alcohol taxes may turn customers away from pubs

The Budget could kill "the affordable pint" as brewers and hospitality firms warn the chancellor that they will be driven out of business by further costs.

Rachel Reeves has been warned that raising taxes on alcohol and pubs would lead to a fall in revenues by depressing sales of drink.

In a letter sent to Reeves, hospitality chiefs also suggest Angela Rayner’s proposals to boost workers’ rights could cause a staffing crisis.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Lammy to travel to Bahrain and Jordan to discuss ceasefire

The Foreign Secretary will repeat calls for de-escalation in the Middle East during a visit to the region. The visit comes days after the one-year anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel that sparked the latest round of the conflict, and amid reports that the Israeli military is expanding its ground operation in Lebanon.

He said: "The situation is incredibly dangerous and further escalation or miscalculation in the region is in no one’s interests. I am pleased to be back in the region to meet with our key partners in Bahrain and Jordan and see first hand our combined efforts towards building long-term security and stability in the Middle East.

"We must not waver at this critical period to achieve ceasefires in Gaza and Lebanon, to get more desperately needed aid into Gaza, and secure the release of all hostages."

Israel's subsequent offensive in Gaza following October 7 has killed nearly 42,000 Palestinians, according to the enclave's health ministry, displaced nearly all its 2.3 million people, many of them multiple times, and brought a humanitarian crisis with hunger widespread and healthcare and critical infrastructure breaking down.

Tory leadership hopefuls battle for MPs’ support in hours before final ballot

Robert Jenrick and Kemi Badenoch face a battle to make it in to the final stage of the Conservative leadership election, as MPs prepare to vote for the last time on Wednesday.

Former home secretary James Cleverly looks all but assured of being one of the final two candidates after coming top of Tuesday’s third round ballot with 39 votes. But just one vote separates Jenrick and Badenoch, on 31 and 30 votes respectively.

Both are seen as potential standard bearers of the right of the Conservative party, and only one is likely to go through to the final round of the contest, leaving them just hours to secure more backers from among their parliamentary colleagues before Wednesday’s vote.