Tory leadership latest odds as favourite emerges after first round of voting

Robert Jenrick has emerged as the bookies' favourite to be the next Tory leader after topping the first round of voting.

The former immigration minister picked up 28 votes in the first ballot of MPs yesterday, with Shadow Housing Secretary Kemi Badenoch second with 22.

Betting companies Ladbrokes and Coral now both put Mr Jenrick as the frontrunner to succeed Rishi Sunak on 11/10.

Meanwhile, Ms Badenoch is at 2/1 with Coral and 7/4 with Ladbrokes.

Alex Apati, of Ladbrokes, said: "It's all change in the Tory leadership race betting, with Robert Jenrick seemingly beginning to run away with things."

Coral's John Hill added: “We have seen a strong surge of support for Robert Jenrick following the opening round of votes. He has now knocked Kemi Badenoch off the top of the betting.

“The odds suggest it is likely to be Jenrick and Badenoch in the final two, with the former being the favourite to win that battle."

Shadow Home Secretary James Cleverly remains a 5/1 shot, ex-security minister Tom Tugendhat is on 10/1, while Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride is now 40/1, according to Ladbrokes.

Coral puts Mr Cleverly on 4/1, Mr Tugdenhat on 12/1 and Mr Stride is seen as a long shot on 50/1.

In the ballot of MPs yesterday, Mr Cleverly was one vote behind Ms Badenoch on 21, while Mr Tugendhat and Mr Stride were on 17 and 16 respectively.

Dame Priti Patel was knocked out at the first stage after picking up 14 votes.

Another round of voting will take place next week before the final four take their campaigns to the Tory conference starting on September 29.

After that, MPs will carry out further rounds of voting to select two final candidates for the party's grassroots to choose between, with the result of the members' ballot announced on November 2.