Tories turf out Tugendhat as UK contest becomes personal

Tom Tugendhat has been cut from the race to replace Boris Johnson amid an increasingly personal contest to become UK PM

Conservative MP Tom Tugendhat is no longer in the running – as four Conservative MPs continue to vie for Britain’s top political office.

In the latest round of votes, Tugendhat scored just 30 party backers, the lowest of the five remaining candidates – ending his chances at a tilt at Britain’s prime ministership.

It comes as a debate scheduled to take place on Tuesday with UK broadcaster Sky News was cancelled amid reports Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss refused to attend.

The contest has become increasingly personal.

Conservative voices have aired their concerns that the candidates are beginning to attack each other – instead of appearing as a united party.

Broadcaster ITV’s Sunday evening debate saw former Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Foreign Secretary Liz Truss appear increasingly frustrated, even hostile, attacking each other’s tax promises.

Meanwhile, in Westminster, the UK government called a “confidence vote” on itself in a bid to stave off pressure from Labour and Boris Johnson’s critics.

Labour’s Sir Keir Starmer has voiced his desire to see Boris Johnson out of Downing Street immediately – concerned that Mr Johnson will continue to have all the trappings of prime ministerial power for weeks and weeks.

But the tactic is likely little more than a political manoeuvre.

Mr Johnson is likely to win the vote of confidence his party brought on him on Monday – guaranteeing he stays in the top job until September 5.