Robert Jenrick has dispelled the idea of skullduggery in the fight for votes in the Tory leadership race.
Speaking to GB News’s Political Editor Christopher Hope, he said the suggestion is a “conspiracy theory”.
Jenrick is in the final two in the race for the Tory crown, where he will face-off with Kemi Badenoch.
James Cleverly was the candidate to lose out, which seemed unlikely after his dominant display in Tuesday’s round of voting.
Robert Jenrick has denied the idea of lending votes
PA / GB NEWS
It has opened the door to a skullduggery narrative, with some claiming Jenrick may have lent some of his votes to another candidate yesterday before those same backers reaffirmed their loyalty to the right-wing candidate today.
“I don’t think so, that is in the conspiracy theory box”, said Jenrick.
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James Cleverly was knocked out in the final round of voting among MPs
GB NEWS
“It didn’t happen. There are too few votes. This was a very small electorate and we had to fight for every single vote.”
He added: “In the privacy of the ballot box, my colleagues have voted for the person they think is the best person to take this party forward.
“I am honoured so many of them have put their faith in me.”
Jenrick won 41 votes, trailing Kemi Badenoch’s 42 total.
Jenrick was delighted to emerge to the final two
GB NEWS
In their wake was former Home Secretary James Cleverly, who picked up 37 votes in the latest ballot, with 120 Tory MPs taking part.
Cleverly’s elimination seemed extremely unlikely after a commanding result in Tuesday’s round of voting.
Reacting on X, he thanked his supporters.
“I’m grateful for the support I’ve received on this campaign from colleagues, party members and the public,” he said.
Cleverly added: “Sadly it wasn’t to be. We are all Conservatives, and it’s important the Conservative Party unites to take on this catastrophic Labour Government.”
A spokesman for Badenoch’s campaign said: “We’re delighted that Kemi has topped the vote. As the members’ choice throughout, she is the best placed to unite the parliamentary party and the Conservative Party membership.
“Kemi is now looking forward to taking her campaign for renewal around the country and making the case for politics with principles.”
Labour meanwhile said the Conservative Party membership now has the “unenviable task of choosing between two of the architects of Tory failure”.