James Cleverly said “sadly it wasn’t to be” after his shock elimination from the Tory leadership race.
The shadow home secretary had been the favourite to make the final two after topping yesterday’s ballot.
But Mr Cleverly lost two votes in today’s ballot with Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick going through.
In a post on X, he said: “I’m grateful for the support I’ve received on this campaign from colleagues, party members and the public.
“Sadly it wasn’t to be. We are all Conservatives, and it’s important the Conservative Party unites to take on this catastrophic Labour government.”
Ms Badenoch, the shadow housing secretary, won 42 votes and ex-immigration minister Mr Jenrick 41 votes, to Mr Cleverly’s 37 votes in the latest ballot, with 120 Tory MPs having taken part.
The final round of the contest will now see Conservative Party members across the UK vote to select the successor to Rishi Sunak.
The result will be announced on November 2.
Ms Badenoch and Mr Jenrick both paid tribute to Mr Cleverly following his exit from the race.
Mr Jenrick said: “What a campaign James Cleverly. You fought brilliantly and had a great conference. The Conservative Party needs you in its top team in the years ahead.”
Ms Badenoch added: “Commiserations to my friend, James Cleverly. He ran a campaign full of energy, ideas and optimism. James has shown great leadership at many levels including holding two of the great offices of state.
“He has dedicated himself to the Conservative party and I look forward to continuing to work with him.”
Ms Badenoch and Mr Jenrick are both seen as candidates favoured by the right of the Conservative Party, while Mr Cleverly was thought of as a more centrist Tory.
The latest result has upset many predictions in Westminster and beyond, as Mr Cleverly was seen as the bookmakers’ favourite to win the contest after Tuesday’s round of voting.
Allies of Mr Cleverly suggested there was at no point any co-ordinated vote lending from their campaign to other candidates.
Such a move could be used to ensure a more threatening leadership rival were eliminated.
