Kemi Badenoch has been knocked out of the race to become Conservative leader and Prime Minister.

Following an admirable campaign, the former equalities minister, Kemi Badenoch, has been eliminated from the fourth round of the race for Conservative leader and Prime Minister. Badenoch received 59 votes during this round.

She tweeted her appreciation for all the support that she has received throughout her campaign, stating: "I'm grateful to my colleagues and the party members who have supported me.

"This campaign began less than two weeks ago. What we've achieved demonstrates the level of support for our vision of change for our country and for the Conservative Party. Thank you."

A source close to Badenoch also added: "This is a great achievement and demonstrates the support for her honest politics and vision of change for the country and the Conservative Party."

Tom Tugendhat, who was eliminated in the previous voting round, shared his support for Badenoch: "I'm sorry to see my friend Kemi Badenoch out of the leadership race. She has brought courage and substance to the argument and will add to the future government of the UK."

Four members now remain in the race. Former Chancellor Rishi Sunak now leads the competition with 118 votes and is only one vote away from being guaranteed a slot on the final ballot.

Minister of State for Trade of United Kingdom Penny Mordaunt is currently in second place gaining 10 votes to reach a total of 92, while Foreign Secretary Liz Truss has now received 86 votes, adding 15 more to her total.

The results from today have set up a tough battle between Ms Mourdaunt and Ms Truss for the second position in the race.

As the polls stand, Sunak looks as though he is the favourite to win. However, with greater experience as a campaigner than Mordaunt, Liz Truss could pose as a threat to the former chancellor.