Rishi Sunak is to remain as leader of the Tory party until Nov 2 when he will be replaced by the victorious leadership candidate, it has been announced.
The executive of the backbench 1922 Committee announced a timetable to choose a new leader with the four final contenders taking to the stage at the Tory conference to present their case to activists.
Nominations open on Wednesday and will close at 2.30pm on July 29, with candidates required to have a proposer, a seconder and eight nominations to proceed to the ballot.
There will then be a series of votes by MPs before the final four are chosen for a “beauty parade” at conference.
The parliamentary party will then whittle it down to the final two candidates, who will then be subject to a vote by Conservative Party members
Mr Sunak said: “It’s in the national interest for us to have a smooth and orderly transition to a new Leader of the Opposition so I will stay in post until November 2, and the result of our leadership election.
“This will allow our party to fulfil its role as the official opposition professionally and effectively. I believe this is what is best for the Conservative Party and, most importantly, our country.
“It would be inappropriate for me to make any comment about the leadership campaign or candidates. I am confident that this timetable decided by the Party Board and the 1922 Committee will allow for a thoughtful, professional and respectful contest.”
The final four nominees will appear in front of the Conservative Party conference in October to put forward their pitch to become leader, before the decision goes to a postal vote of members.
It comes after Mr Jenrick had emerged as the frontrunner in a poll of Tory members.
Several other Tory MPs are tipped to stand, including Kemi Badenoch, the shadow housing secretary, and Tom Tugendhat, the shadow security minister.
