Your support helps us to tell the story
My recent work focusing on Latino voters in Arizona has shown me how crucial independent journalism is in giving voice to underrepresented communities.
Your support is what allows us to tell these stories, bringing attention to the issues that are often overlooked. Without your contributions, these voices might not be heard.
Every dollar you give helps us continue to shine a light on these critical issues in the run up to the election and beyond
Eric Garcia
Washington Bureau Chief
Tom Tugendhat has been eliminated from the Conservative leadership contest, paving the way for James Cleverly, who has received a significant boost in support.
The former security minister, who was previously viewed as a strong contender, failed to win over enough backing from parliamentary colleagues to make it to the final three, garnering only 20 votes.
James Cleverly topped the third ballot with a notable rise in support, securing 39 votes from Tory MPs. Thisshift in momentum placed him as a frontrunner as the race intensifies.
Meanwhile, Robert Jenrick remains a key player in the contest with 31 of the votes. Kemi Badenoch closely trails with 30 votes, reflecting a tight race among the remaining candidates.
With the final two candidates set to be announced in another ballot on Wednesday, Tory members will have the chance to vote in an online ballot from 10 to 31 October.
It comes as the Conservatives narrowed Labour’s lead to just one point, raising alarms for Sir Keir Starmer’s party months after its sweeping election victory.
The latest More in Common poll revealed the party now sits at 29 per cent, down one percentage point, while the Tories have gained two points, reaching 28 per cent.
This represents the smallest lead Labour has seen since the pollster began tracking voting intentions last year.
Breaking: Tom Tugendhat knocked out of Tory leadership contest
Tom Tugendhat has been knocked out of the Tory leadership contest.
The former minister received 20 votes, placing him in last place and eliminating him from the contest.
James Cleverly came first with the backing of 39 MPs, Robert Jenrick got 31 and Kemi Badenoch had 30.
Kemi Badenoch calls on Jenrick supporters to unite behind her bid
Kemi Badenoch is rallying supporters of Robert Jenrick to pivot their backing towards her campaign as the Tory leadership race narrows to three contenders.
A spokesperson for the shadow secretary said: “There are three candidates left in this contest, two are gaining votes and one is going backwards and losing support.
“The right of the Conservative Party now needs to coalesce around Kemi, who can reach across and unify the party, has the star quality to cut through in opposition, and is indisputably the members’ choice for leader.”
James Cleverly: ‘The job’s not finished’
Tugendhat thanks backers as he exits leadership race
Reform UK membership reaches 90,000 supporters
Meanwhile, Nigel Farage has taken to social media to announce that Reform UK’s membership has increased to 90,000.
The last time the party revealed the numbers, it stood at 85,000.
Coming up: Tory leadership vote result revealed shortly
Chariman of the 1922 Committee of Tory MPs Bob Blackman will appear at 3.30pm to announce the result of the latest round of voting in the leadership contest.
Labour MP slams Tories for defending private school tax breaks
Connor Naismith, Labour MP for Crewe and Nantwich, has criticised the Tories for their support of tax breaks for private education during the ongoing VAT discussion.
Speaking passionately in the Commons, Mr Naismith argued that the previous administration demonstrated a lack of change in their priorities.
He said: “(The Conservatives) have demonstrated perfectly well that nothing has changed and it’s business as usual as they choose to leap to the defence of tax breaks for private education.
“Only 7 per cent of children in the UK go to a private school, a smaller proportion than the most recent Conservative cabinet, of which it is believed that 65 per cent were privately educated. So, perhaps that tells us something about why we are debating this matter today.”
Tory members on the opposition benches responded by shouting – “look around you”.
Back to the Commons…
MPs continue to debate Labour’s decision to scrap tax exemptions for private schools.
Alicia Kearns, Conservative MP for Rutland and Stamford, condemned Labour’s proposal to impose VAT on school fees, calling it “cruel and vindictive”.
Speaking in the House of Commons, she warned that the move would have dire consequences for rural economies, which rely heavily on the presence of independent schools.
She told members: “I have over 2,000 people locally who are employed directly by independent schools, let alone those working within the supply chain, whether it be buses, or food, or flowers, or cafes or shops, rural economies do not have that many options at the moment and independent schools are a bedrock for them.
“So, the economic impact of this (policy) should be considered within that impact assessment, which I very much doubt has been carried out.”
No 10 rejects fears of Truss-style chaos ahead of Budget announcement
Downing Street has downplayed fears that potential changes to borrowing rules in the upcoming Budget could trigger a crisis like the chaotic premiership of Liz Truss.
The government insisted that it is committed to restoring economic stability, amid growing speculation that shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves plans to revamp fiscal policies.
With the Budget statement set to be released at the end of this month, investors are cautioning shadow chancellor Jeremy Hunt to “walk a tightrope” to avoid unsettling the markets and prompting a sell-off of government bonds.
In response to fears of a Truss-style chaos, a No 10 spokesperson said: “Obviously, I wouldn’t accept that characterisation.
“The government has made clear that one of the first steps of this government is to restore economic stability in the Budget. It will absolutely deliver on that, delivering on the robust fiscal rules that were set out in the manifesto.
“That includes moving the current Budget into balance, it includes debt falling as a share of the economy, and more broadly, as I say, the Budget will be about fixing the foundations of the economy, delivering stability, because it is only with economic stability that we will get the growth and investment that the economy needs.”
Poll: James Cleverly most popular Tory leadership candidate
Another YouGov poll has revealed the popularity of the Conservative leadership candidates among the general public and Tory voters.
James Cleverly emerged as the frontrunner with 46 per cent of the support.
Tom Tugendhat follows with 35 per cent of the backing and just 14 per cent unfavourable, while Robert Jenrick garners 32 pre cent favourable.
In contrast, Kemi Badenoch sees a close split with 31 per cent favourability and 30 per cent of unfavourable.
