Johnson extends lead over Tory rivals as Raab has hopes dashed

Boris Johnson has confirmed his status as the favourite to be the next prime minister with a commanding victory in the second round of voting in the Tory leadership race.

Former Brexit secretary Dominic Raab was eliminated from the race, while home secretary Sajid Javid survived by a single vote.

There was another overwhelming victory for Mr Johnson, who secured 126 votes – 80 ahead of his nearest rival Jeremy Hunt on 46.

Michael Gove got 41 votes, while Rory Stewart was on 37. Candidates needed 33 votes to remain in the race.

Mr Raab’s hopes were dashed after he secured just 30 votes.

With Mr Johnson almost certain of a place in the final two, the contest has become a battle for the spot alongside him in the ballot of 160,000 Tory members who will choose the next party leader and prime minister.

International development secretary Mr Stewart’s result came after he secured just 19 votes in the first round.

A campaign source said the extra 18 votes showed “his momentum is continuing to build”, and “he can now go all the way to the final two”.

But it would appear unlikely that many supporters of the hard-Brexiteer Mr Raab will switch to Mr Stewart, so he will have to win over MPs from rival campaigns.

Mr Javid picked up 10 extra votes to scrape through to the next ballot today. Environment secretary Mr Gove picked up just four extra votes.

In an apparent warning to Tories over Mr Stewart, who voted Remain in 2016, Mr Gove stressed: “The final two should be Brexiteers who are able to take on (Jeremy) Corbyn, unite the party and deliver Brexit.”

Mark Francois, vice-chairman of the Brexit-backing European Research Group of Tories said he hoped Mr Raab would be given a seat in Cabinet.

Final two should be Brexiteers who are able to unite the party.

MICHAEL GOVE