Tory leadership race: Rishi Sunak tops first vote as six candidates progress to next round

Rishi Sunak emerged as the winner of the first race for the leadership of the Conservative Party and to become the next Prime Minister.

The former chancellor secured the backing of 88 Tory MPs.

Penny Mordaunt came second with 67 votes and Liz Truss third with 50.

Sunak’s Treasury successor Nadhim Zahawi has been knocked out of the race after failing to secure the requisite 30 votes, as has backbencher Jeremy Hunt.

Kemi Badenoch, Tom Tugendhat and Suella Braverman secured 40, 37 and 32 votes, respectively, all securing them a place in the next round of voting.

The second round ballot will take place tomorrow, with the candidate on the fewest votes eliminated.