Votes cast in race to be Tories' new leader

Party members' poll closes

- Martyn Brown

ROBERT Jenrick or Kemi Badenoch will be named as the new leader of the Conservative Party tomorrow following a final push for votes.

The ballot of party members to choose former prime minister Rishi Sunak's replacement closed last night, almost four months after the Tories' defeat at the general election.

Shadow housing secretary Ms Badenoch is the favourite to win and has received backing from a number of Conservative grandees.

Last night, ex-chanKen Clarke cellor became the latest senior Tory to back her.

Despite the apparent momentum behind Ms Badenoch, Mr Jenrick insists that the race is "close".