The results of the third round of the Conservative party’s leadership contest saw outsider Rory Stewart’s campaign crash out of the race.
The candidate with the lowest number of votes was knocked out.
That meant that Rory Stewart was out of the race to be next PM after securing just 27 votes.
He lost the support of ten MPs overnight and blamed “dark arts” as he left the contest.
Speaking after the result Mr Stewart said: “I am so moved and inspired by the support I have received over the last few weeks – it has given me a new faith in politics, a new belief in our country.
“I didn’t get enough MPs to believe today – but they will. I remain deeply committed to you and to this country.”
He also said he wouldn’t endorse another candidate in the race – despite admitting being in talks with Michael Gove today.
Boris Johnson maintained his commanding lead – after being endorsed by Dominic Raab who crashed out of the race yesterday.
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All 313 MPs voted and no ballots were spoilt. .
The remaining candidates will be whittled down to the final two in two votes among MPs tomorrow.
The winners will then be selected by a vote of the 160,000 Conservative Party members across the UK.
The eventual winner and PM will be picked following a month-long vote by 160,000 Tory members.
Third round Results in full (June 19)
MP’s name – number of MP backers (33 to pass, lowest knocked out)
- Boris Johnson – 143
- Jeremy Hunt – 54
- Michael Gove – 51
-
Sajid Javid – 38
KNOCKED OUT
Second round results in full (June 18)
MP’s name – number of MP backers (33 to pass)
- Boris Johnson – 126
- Jeremy Hunt – 46
- Michael Gove – 41
- Rory Stewart – 37
- Sajid Javid – 33
KNOCKED OUT
First round results in full (June 13)
N.B – This vote was held on June 13
MP’s name – number of MP backers (17 to pass)
- Boris Johnson – 114
- Jeremy Hunt – 43
- Michael Gove – 37
- Dominic Raab – 27
- Sajid Javid – 23
- Matt Hancock – 20
- Rory Stewart – 19
KNOCKED OUT:
- Andrea Leadsom – 11
- Mark Harper – 10
- Esther McVey – 9
