James Cleverly has overtaken Robert Jenrick in the race to become the next Tory leader, a survey of party members suggests. The former home secretary, who was lagging behind, has stormed ahead to second place in members’ first preferences just days before the next round of voting.

James Cleverly's message of lower taxes and economic growth resonates with hardworking people, argues PCC Alison Hernandez.

His closest rival is Kemi Badenoch, who comes in second on 15 per cent, followed by Robert Jenrick on 13 per cent and Tom Tugendhat on 9 per cent. Mr Cleverly is also the preferred candidate among the wider public, with 11 per cent supporting him to become the next Conservative leader compared to 9 per cent for Ms Badenoch.

As part of his leadership pitch to members, the former minister claimed he was the candidate who is ‘feared the most’ by other party leaders.

Cleverly’s strong speech to last week’s Tory conference in Birmingham has blown the fight to succeed Rishi Sunak wide open, as the party’s 121 MPs prepare to whittle down four candidates to a shortlist of two.