Rishi Sunak has reportedly asked Sajid Javid to step aside and support his campaign to become PM. The former Chancellor is leading the polls to replace Boris Johnson, although Mr Javid could ruin his plans as the second most popular candidate.
Although the ex Health Secretary has yet to announce a bid for leadership, he is expected to run and wields considerable support among Tory MPs and party members. Meanwhile Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, the bookies favourite to replace Boris Johnson, has announced he is not standing to become the new Prime Minister.
Read more: LIVE: Race to become next Prime Minister hots up as Tories choose side
Mr Wallace, who was widely expected to run for office and who recently came top in a recent ConservativeHome poll of Tory party members about who should take over from Mr Johnson, tweeted that he had decided not to run.
He wrote: "After careful consideration and discussing with colleagues and family, I have taken the decision not to enter the contest for leadership of the Conservative party. I am very grateful to all my parliamentary colleagues and wider members who have pledged support.
"It has not been an easy choice to make, but my focus is on my current job and keeping this great country safe. I wish the very best of luck to all candidates and hope we swiftly return to focusing on the issues that we are all elected to address."
Mr Sunak is currently facing three other Conservative MPs in the contest, although others are expected to throw their hats in the ring today as the race heats up. More than a dozen of Mr Sunak's colleagues have already declared their support for his campaign, putting him far ahead of his rivals Kemi Badenoch, Suella Braverman and Tom Tugendhat.
But, the race still has a long way to go and it could take up to three months before the winner takes power. Although several Tories have voiced a desire for the race to be shortened and over much earlier than the Tory party conference in October.
Tory MP and committee chairman Sir Charles Walker said the process of selecting a new Tory leader could be 'truncated' by waving regional hustings. And leaked plans set to be approved by the Tory party next week will aim to have a new leader in place by September 5, the Telegraph reported.
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