Johnson extends lead as Raab falls out of Tory race

LONDON: Boris Johnson has confirmed his status as the favourite to be the next prime minister with a commanding victory in the second round of voting in the Tory leadership race. Former Brexit secretary Dominic Raab was eliminated from the race, while Home Secretary Sajid Javid survived by a single vote. But there was another overwhelming victory for Johnson, who secured 126 votes — 80 ahead of his nearest rival Jeremy Hunt on 46.

Michael Gove was in third place on 41 votes, while Rory Stewart was on 37. Candidates needed 33 votes to remain in the race — the exact number picked up by Javid. Raab’s hopes of replacing Theresa May in Downing Street were dashed after he secured just

30 votes.

The remaining candidates will take part in a BBC debate on Tuesday night before further votes on Wednesday and Thursday will whittle the fielddown to a final two. With Johnson appearing certain of a place in the final two, the contest has become a battle for the right to a spot alongside him in the ballot of 160,000 Tory members who will choose the next party leader and prime minister.