Who has a Cockapoo called Biscuit? Whose favourite drink is Larkin’s ale? Forget the high politics… these are the REALLY important issues!

FOR the next two months, the news headlines will be dominated by Tory leadership rivals jostling over policies such as tax cuts, the Northern Ireland protocol and their vision for ‘global Britain’. But what about more mundane matters which reveal the candidates’ personalities and private tastes? Here are some homespun facts about the eight front-runners…

RISHI SUNAK

Mother’s job: Ran chemist’s shop Middle name: None Favourite food: Maryland cookies Pet: Labrador retriever called Nova Favourite drink: Mexican Coca-Cola

Cars: Range Rover, Lexus, BMW and VW Golf

SAJID JAVID Mother’s job: Corner shop owner Middle name: None Favourite food: Samosas Pet: Cavapoo called Bailey Favourite drink: Coke Zero Car: Land Rover Discovery

NADHIM ZAHAWI Mother’s job: Dentist Middle name: None Favourite food: Grilled chicken or steak and chips Pet: Cockapoo called Biscuit Favourite drink: Red wine

Car: Hybrid Range Rover

LIZ TRUSS

Mother’s job: Nurse and teacher Middle name: Elizabeth (Her first name is Mary) Favourite food: Anything spicy Pet: None Favourite drink: White wine Car: Unknown

GRANT SHAPPS Mother’s job: Ran photographic business Middle name: None

Favourite food: Spaghetti bolognese Pets: Two dogs and two cats Favourite drink: Guinness Car: Tesla

JEREMY HUNT Mother’s job: Nurse Middle names: Richard Streynsham Favourite food: French Pets: Labrador called Poppy Favourite drink: Red wine Car: Jaguar

XJ PRITI PATEL (top) Mother’s job: Ran newsagents Middle name: Sushil Favourite food: Pizza Pets: None Favourite drink: Gin and tonic

Car: Range Rover

TOM TUGENDHAT (right)

Mother’s job: Home-maker

Middle names: Georg John

Favourite food: Fish fingers with rice and peas Pets: Cat

Favourite drink: Larkin’s ale

Car: VW Golf