Tory leadership contenders are battling for support from MPs just hours before the final vote

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Robert Jenrick and Kemi Badenoch face a battle to progress to the final stages of the Conservative leadership election as MPs prepare to vote for the final time on Wednesday.

Former Home Secretary James Cleverly appears almost certain to be one of the final two candidates after coming top with 39 votes in the third round of voting on Tuesday.

But just one vote separates Mr Jenrick and Ms Badenoch, who have 31 and 30 votes respectively.

Both are seen as potential standard-bearers of the Conservative Party's right, and only one is likely to make it to the final round of the contest, leaving them just hours to gain more support from their parliamentary colleagues before Wednesday's vote.

In Tuesday's vote, Ms Badenoch won two votes, while Mr Jenrick lost two votes compared to the second round of voting, which took place before the party conference last week.

Following that result, Ms Badenoch's campaign called for the Tory right wing to “unite” around the former business secretary, although a source in Mr Jenrick's campaign said he was “in the best position to make it to the final two.” to accomplish”.

Wednesday's result could depend on how the 20 MPs who supported eliminated candidate Tom Stimmehat cast their votes.

One of Mr Tugendhat's supporters, Nick Timothy, a former adviser to former Prime Minister Theresa May, has already announced his support for Mr Jenrick, saying he has shown a willingness “in analyzing why we lost and what we need to do.” to proceed ruthlessly.” do next.”

The result of Wednesday's vote is expected to be announced around 3:30 p.m.

Conservative party members will then have to choose between the final two candidates, and the new party leader will be announced on November 2nd.