Sajid Javid

Age: 49

Odds: 6/1

Brexit pitch:

A free-market liberal who last year looked to be sliding towards obscurity, the Home Secretary has in recent months won plaudits from across the Conservative Party.

His handling of the Windrush scandal and tough stance on grooming gangs has also improved his appeal.

However, doubts remain as to whether his softer approach to immigration will count against him in any leadership contest, while Brexiteers still harbour grudges over his decision to back Remain in the referendum campaign.

If elected, Mr Javid is likely to make the case for a managed approach to immigration, ensuring that high-skilled workers receive priority while ensuring that businesses, the NHS and schools can continue to recruit foreign workers on lower pay.

Having made house building his number one priority as communities secretary, he is also likely to push for ambitious reforms to resolve the housing crisis.