Tory leadership contest turns ugly as contenders turn on one another

The Tory leadership contest heated up today as rivals attacked each other and party chiefs set rules on cheating.

With nominations closing on Monday, insults flew among the 11 candidates fighting to become PM.

Dramatic splits emerged over how they would deliver Brexit as they tried to win over fellow MPs.

Dominic Raab threatened to suspend Parliament to stop MPs blocking a no deal exit, but rival Rory Stewart called this “unlawful, undemocratic and unachievable”.

Meanwhile, Michael Gove launched a thinly-veiled attack on Boris Johnson, saying MPs needed someone who is “serious about the job at hand”.

Dominic Raab threatened to suspend Parliament to stop MPs blocking a no deal exit, but rival Rory Stewart called this “unlawful, undemocratic and unachievable” (PA)

And Jeremy Hunt and Matt Hancock said they could get a better deal than Theresa May .

It also emerged MPs’ phones may be seized as rules were unveiled to avoid cheating.