20.07.2022 - 20:40 [ DailyMail.co.uk ]

Gloves are off in battle to be next PM: Rishi Sunak says only he‘ll beat Labour and win next election as Liz Truss takes dig at ex-Chancellor to pledge ‚bold new economic plan‘ – as Tories brace for bruising six-week contest with first TV debate on Monday

– Conservative MPs have chosen the final two candidates for PM going ahead to a run-off with party members
– Liz Truss emerged victorious from a brutal battle with Penny Mordaunt for second spot in head-to-head phase
– Rishi Sunak topped the ballot in all the voting rounds but polls suggest he could struggle in the member vote
– The candidates are due to clash in a BBC TV debate on Monday night with fears it will turn nasty quickly
– The winner of the ballot is due to be declared on September 5 and take over from Mr Johnson the next day