Liz Truss has received a major boost in the race to succeed Boris Johnson, as candidates were whittled down from four to three.
The Foreign Secretary picked up 15 new backers overnight and is now within six votes of second placed Penny Mordaunt.
With Kemi Badenoch knocked out of the race, many now expect a large bulk of her 59 backers to migrate over to Ms Truss.
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Rishi Sunak remains out front, securing the support of 118 MPs, but a YouGov poll published this afternoon will make for glum reading in his camp.
The poll shows the former chancellor would be defeated by Ms Mordaunt or Ms Truss in a wider membership ballot.
Suella Braverman, who was earlier eliminated from the race, said Ms Truss was the “best person to unleash the opportunities of Brexit” and deliver tax cuts, as the right of the party seeks to rally round a single candidate.
In a statement, Ms Braverman said: “Liz is the best person to unleash the opportunities of Brexit, and deliver much needed tax cuts.
“I’m confident she will defend free speech, champion equality of opportunity and take a robust line on illegal immigration.”
Former Brexit minister Lord Frost, who does not get a vote as a Tory peer, came out in support of Ms Truss, urging Ms Badenoch to pull out of the contest so there can be “unity among free marketeers”.
“Kemi and Suella Braverman set out convincing programmes, with differing emphases, for change. But Liz’s depth of experience, her energy and ideas – as well as the simple fact she has the most votes of the three – put her in the lead.
“It is now time for pragmatism. I urge Kemi to stand down in return for a serious job in a Truss administration.”
He also stepped up his attacks on Ms Mordaunt, saying she was “absent on parade” when he worked with her on post-Brexit negotiations last year.
The next round of voting is due on Monday, with subsequent rounds if required until two candidates are left, who will then battle it out over the summer to win the support of Conservative members. Their choice of the next prime minister will be announced on September 5.
Boris Johnson will then formally tender his resignation to the Queen to make way for his successor the following day.
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