James Cleverly takes lead in Tory leadership race as Tugendhat is knocked out

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Former home secretary James Cleverly surged into pole position in the Conservative leadership contest on Tuesday, after ex-security minister Tom Tugendhat was knocked out. 

In the third round ballot of MPs on Tuesday, Cleverly won 39 votes, up 18 on the previous round, after he picked up momentum at the party’s annual conference last week.

He was followed by former immigration minister Robert Jenrick on 31 votes, down two votes on the last round. 

Former business secretary Kemi Badenoch gained 30 votes, up two votes. 

Tugendhat exited the race after coming last on 20 votes, down one vote, after losing steam at the party gathering in Birmingham.

Another contender will be knocked out on Wednesday in the fourth round ballot, with the final two candidates being put to the party membership.

This is a developing story . . .