The first round of Tory party votes leaves six MPs in the race to lead the Conservative Party and the UK

From a shortlist of eight, two were culled in the Conservative party’s first round of votes following the resignation of Boris Johnson.

Rishi Sunak remains the firm party favourite, receiving the backing of 88 of his fellow Conservatives.

Penny Mordaunt is a close second – with 67. She is emerging as Rishi Sunak’s main rival.

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss received 50 votes.

Kemi Badenoch moves to the second round with 40

Tom Tughendhat got the backing of 37

And Suella Braverman rounds out as the sixth candidate through to the second round with 32 MPs backing her.

Nadhim Zahawi and Jeremy Hunt were eliminated – as they both failed to reach the required 30 votes to continue – receiving 25 and 18 respectively.

The next vote will be held on Thursday, whoever receives the least votes will be eliminated, leaving just five in the race.