AN Essex MP has dramatically taken the lead in the race to become the next Conservative Party leader after more eliminations.

Braintree MP and former Home Secretary James Cleverly received 39 votes from his fellow MPs after his “strong performance” at last week’s party conference in Birmingham.

The strong eight-point lead comes in a dramatic reversal of the last voting round, which saw Mr Cleverly tied at the bottom with today’s eliminated candidate Tom Tugendhat.  

Lead - James Cleverly has rocketed into the lead in a dramatic twist in the race for Conservative party leader Lead - James Cleverly has rocketed into the lead in a dramatic twist in the race for Conservative party leader (Image: PA) The third round of voting saw Mr Tugendhat, the Shadow Minister for Security, eliminated from the race earlier today with just 20 votes.

This afternoon’s vote by Conservative MPs saw Mr Cleverly pick up 18 new supporters, which is likely to include votes from the 16 MPs who backed former cabinet minister Mel Stride in the second round.

On social media platform X, Mr Cleverly said: “I’m grateful to all my colleagues for their support today, and I’m pleased to be through to the next round."

Battle - Mr Cleverly is excited to spread the positive Conservative message Battle - Mr Cleverly is excited to spread the positive Conservative message (Image: PA) “The job’s not finished," he added. 

“I’m excited to keep spreading our positive Conservative message.”

Robert Jenrick is currently following Mr Cleverly with 31 votes, with Kemi Badenoch on 30 votes.