Candidates jostle for position as contest begins in earnest, with some hoovering up support and others floundering
The dramatically accelerated Tory leadership race began in a frenzy on Tuesday, with more candidates launching their campaigns simultaneously across Westminster. Several were left scrambling to meet the deadline for making it on to the ballot paper, while others were forced to pull out of the contest.
Having been given less than 24 hours to secure enough supporters, those who had easily passed the threshold to ensure their place in the first round of voting focused on hoovering up the maximum number of waverers, while their rivals floundered.
