James Cleverly, the Conservative Shadow Home Secretary, has been removed from the race to lead the party.
Shadow Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch and former Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick have advanced to the final stage.
The broader party membership will cast their votes in the upcoming weeks, with the winner scheduled to be announced on 2 November.
During the fourth round of voting by MPs this afternoon, Kemi Badenoch secured 42 votes, Robert Jenrick garnered 41 votes, and James Cleverly received 37 votes.
The shadow Home Secretary was leading after yesterday’s vote.
Many of his fellow MPs commended him following his speech at the Conservative party conference last week.
Ms. Badenoch and Mr. Jenrick are perceived as candidates preferred by the party’s right wing, while Mr. Cleverly was regarded as a more centrist Tory.
The latest outcome has disrupted many expectations in Westminster and beyond, as Mr. Cleverly was seen as the bookmakers’ favorite to win the contest after the recent round of voting.
In response to his elimination from the leadership race, Mr. Cleverly stated: “I’m thankful for the support I’ve received during this campaign from colleagues, party members, and the public.”
In a message on X, formerly known as Twitter, he added: “Unfortunately, it wasn’t meant to be. We are all Conservatives, and it is crucial for the Conservative Party to unite against this disastrous Labour Government.”
Additional reporting by PA
