Many will hope that Gove and Hunt duke it out in a constructive way for the right to take on the man who is the clear winner from the week’s events.
The only other candidate with momentum is Stewart – and it is almost impossible to see where he can glean the votes he needs.
Hunt is second on 43 votes, Gove third on 37, Raab fourth on 27, and Javid fifth on 23. Harper, Leadsom and McVey are out.
In our view, his support is a mix of genuine enthusiasm and a certain resignation: a sense that now is the time to give him a go.
Gove, Stewart and perhaps others too could see their standing and prospects damaged this afternoon.
We also have the result from yesterday evening’s ’92 Group hustings – in which Johnson scooped almost half the vote.
So no more dropouts after Sam Gyimah’s departure earlier this afternoon. The first ballot will be held on Thursday.
The Environment Secretary reminded everyone that he is the most aggressive debater in the race.
“I know that you may not believe in your heart that you can do it. But the Conservative Party membership deserve a choice, so let’s have a proper race.”
The Environment Secretary tells this site what he would do if given the chance to lead.
A general election is rolling down the tracks. And he is the man best placed to see off Corbyn and Farage.
The Environment Secretary is questioned by Andrew Marr after his admission in yesterday’s Daily Mail.
Also: don’t cut members out of the contest. And the right exam question for candidates is: who can best win a general election?
He is set to cakewalk this contest if his colleagues in the Commons put his name before the members.
Each week, we’ll be summarising the announcements made by those vying to succeed May as Prime Minister.