Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss have urged party leadership rivals not to put long-term Tory unity at stake with further blue-on-blue attacks.
They spoke out after withdrawing from a live TV debate scheduled for tonight, following ill-tempered clashes in two earlier showdowns.
The Sky News face-off of the candidates still in the race after today’s fourth knockout round was scrapped after their withdrawal.
It is understood Mr Sunak and Ms Truss decided to pull out after Tory MPs’ concern over damage done to the party by rows on TV.
Mr Sunak told the Daily Express: “Conservatives are always stronger together and we must conduct this leadership contest with decency and honesty.”
He added: “When it’s over, we must unite behind the new leader and focus on delivery, rather than division. As Prime Minister, my priority will be on uniting the party behind a positive agenda that delivers for everyone across our United Kingdom.”
Ms Truss said: “The Conservative Party is at its best when we work together. As Prime Minister, I would lead a Government of all the Tory talents. The quality of the remaining candidates reflects the huge strength in depth we have.
Denne historien er fra July 19, 2022-utgaven av Daily Express.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra July 19, 2022-utgaven av Daily Express.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Amorim gears up for big shift in identity at United
RUBEN VOWS TO FIND A FORMULA FOR SUCCESS
Trump builds cabinet of controversial choices
PRESIDENT-elect Donald Trump has sent shock waves through Washington following a series of controversial cabinet nominations.
Beirut flats fireball after missile strikes building
AN ISRAELI bomb slams into a building in the Lebanese capital Beirut yesterday before exploding into a fireball.
'Why should NHS pick up the pieces after botched butt lifts?"
THE NHS should not be left to pick up the tab following botched Brazilian butt lifts, England's top doctor says.
King returns to Commando training centre after 50 years
THE King got a reminder of tough times from his youth as he returned to the Royal Marines base where he completed his helicopter pilot training 50 years ago.
Archbishop 'appalled and embarrassed' by handling of abuse scandal, says son
THE Archbishop of Canterbury's son last night insisted that he backed his father's decision to resign because his position had become untenable.
'Wes crossed the line in opposing assisted dying'
LABOUR grandee Harriet Harman has hit out at her party's Health Secretary for publicly opposing assisted dying.
Police drop 15-month probe into trans post
AN activist who criticised a transgender GP on social media has been told no further action will be taken after she suffered a \"terrifying\" 15-month investigation.
Governor of Bank in push to boost our Brussels ties
ANDREW Bailey has joined with the growing chorus urging Sir Keir Starmer to return to Brussels' orbit after Donald Trump's election.
Reeves effect sees growth shrinking even before impact of Budget kicks in
CHANCELLOR Rachel Reeves has faced fresh condemnation over her policies as figures showed the economy is shrinking.
