ROBERT Jenrick today held on to his spot as frontrunner in the Tory leadership race – as Mel Stride was knocked out of the race.
The ex-Immigration Minister picked up 33 votes, while Kemi Badenoch came in hot on his heels at 28.
Also still in the race are James Cleverly and Tom Tugendhat who both secured 21 votes.
Mr Stride was knocked out of the contest after picking up just 16.
The final four candidates will now take part in a ‘beauty contest’ at this month’s Tory party conference in Birmingham.
Each leadership hopeful will be given 20 minutes to pitch themselves to card carrying Conservatives.
READ MORE POLITICS
They will directly speak to members at the annual rally before two more candidates are knocked out by MPs.
The final two will then tour the country in a final attempt to win over members before votes are cast.
Responding to the result, frontrunner Mr Jenrick said: “I’m grateful for all the support my campaign is getting.
“Whether it be from MP colleagues today or from all the members, councillors and activists I’ve had the pleasure of meeting on the road.
“Together we can change our party for the better.”
Shadow Levelling Up Secretary Kemi Badenoch said: “I’m grateful to be in the top two and to have won the most new votes at this round.
Robert Jenrick – 33
Kemi Badenoch – 28
James Cleverly – 21
Tom Tugendhat – 21
Mel Stride – 16
“I’m also excited to take my campaign to conference.
“We need a leader who can cut through in Opposition, and defeat Labour and Reform. Most importantly, we need someone with conviction, strength of purpose and the knowledge to rewire our broken political system.
“That’s what I’ll be showing in Birmingham later this month.”
A Labour spokesperson said: “The Tories whittled down a list of five people who played key roles in 14 years of chaos and decline, to four people who played key roles in 14 years of chaos and decline.
“Their failure to take responsibility for the mess they made, demonstrates that none of these candidates are cut out for the job.”
