The possible contenders in the next Tory leadership contest

SAJID JAVID

The Home Secretary has won plaudits from both Remainers and Brexiteers for repeatedly taking on the Prime Minister on migration and winning. He voted Remain, but Tory Eurosceptics are delighted with his support for Brexit.

Jacob rees-mogg

As leader of a 60-strong group of Eurosceptic Tory MPS, he has been unstinting in his criticism of Theresa May’s Brexit plans. He has denied leadership ambitions and has focused on keeping Mrs May to her promises on Brexit.

boris Johnson

His resignation as foreign secretary has led to fevered speculation about a leadership bid. The key question is whether he could muster enough support from Tory MPS to make it to the final two of the contest.

Jeremy hunt

Mr Hunt’s appointment as Foreign Secretary last night comes after he established himself as a firm Eurosceptic – despite backing Remain in the EU referendum. He won a significant battle as health secretary for more NHS funds.

michael gove

The Environment Secretary has been playing his cards carefully recently. He was on the front line of Eurosceptic opposition to the Customs Partnership, but is one of the most prominent supporters of the PM’S Chequers plan.

GAVIN Williamson

The Defence Secretary has been locked in a row with Mrs May over defence funding, and has been accused of telling officials that he could bring her down. He has become a keen Brexiteer, opposing the Customs Partnership.

DAVID DAVIS

The former Brexit secretary may have left the Cabinet, but should the Prime Minister be ousted over Europe his time may finally come. He has won plaudits for his “principled” resignation from MPS on all sides of the House.

PRITI Patel

The Eurosceptic former international development secretary has been an arch-critic of the Prime Minister’s Brexit policy since she was sacked. She is understood to be very active with grassroots Tories.