Robert Jenrick and Kemi Badenoch make final two contenders in the race to become the next leader of the Conservative Party, as former Home Secretary James Cleverly knocked out

Robert Jenrick has made the cut as one of the final two contenders in the race to become the next leader of the Conservative Party.

When he started his campaign for the leadership the Newark MP emerged as the early front runner, but yesterday’s vote saw former Home Secretary James Cleverly overtake him as the new favourite, winning the most votes from fellow Tory MPs. Mr Jenrick was second and Kemi Badenoch came third.

Tom Tugendhat was eliminated from the race having received the least votes of the four candidates, meaning the 20 votes from his supporters were up for grabs.

A second round of voting among Tory MPs took place today to narrow down the field and decide who the final two candidates would be.

At 3.30pm this afternoon, the results of voting revealed with a shocking twist that James Cleverly was knocked out with the fewest votes, receiving 37. Kemi Badenoch received the most votes with 42 votes and Robert Jenrick was just behind on 41 votes.

The final two candidates will now be presented to Conservative Party members who will decide their next leader, with a winner to be announced on November 2.

The overall winner will officially take over the reins from Rishi Sunak as the party is now the opposition in parliament.