The former immigration minister and standard-bearer for the Tory Right is ahead on 24.2%, a survey of 468 party members suggests.
To tackle the small boats crisis, he backs leaving the European Convention on Human Rights - something 86% of those polled agree with.
Shadow housing secretary Kemi Badenoch and former home secretary Dame Priti Patel - both prominent figures on the Right - are close behind him on 23.4% and 21% respectively.
Choice
Shadow home secretary James Cleverly is fourth with 4.9%, followed by shadow security minister Tom Tugendhat on 3.4% while shadow work and pensions secretary Mel Stride has 1.9%.
However, just over one in five said they were undecided in the survey carried out from July 31 to August 5.
Denne historien er fra August 08, 2024-utgaven av Daily Express.
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Denne historien er fra August 08, 2024-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
'I want the chance to prove myself again'
PEP GUARDIOLA feels the need to prove himself all over again-despite his glittering successes at Manchester City.
SEAN HAILS BRAVE CALL
SEAN DYCHE says Everton made a \"brave decision\" to reject Manchester United's £50million offer for Jarrad Branthwaite.
Howe looks to end Toon striking issue
EDDIE HOWE is banking on the competition between Alexander Isak and fit-again Callum Wilson to spark a faltering attack.
Iraola won't play it by the book
ANDONI IRAOLA admits Bournemouth will miss Antoine Semenyo but is happy to accept yellow cards as the price for the club's style of play.
McKenna refuses to rest on laurels and asks for more
KIERAN MCKENNA has warned Ipswich they must build on their improving Premier League form.
Davies sends Blades to top of pack
TOM DAVIES came off the bench to score a late winner as Sheffield United went top.
STAYING AT RED BULL IS TARGET FOR MAX LEGACY
Champion insists he does not need to win elsewhere
How Pope managed to get out of a Stew
OLLIE POPE revealed a heart-to-heart with his mentor Alec Stewart helped pave the way for his timely return to form against New Zealand.
Former intern fights boss for half his £1m company
AN antiques dealer to the stars is locked in a bitter court fight with a former intern who says she has a right to half of his £1million firm.
Highgrrrove's not too ruff for us...
MISSY the English cocker spaniel looks excited to be meeting a King Charles, but Percy the white bichon cross appears to have realised her mistake...
