By David Wilcock, Whitehall Correspondent For Mailonline
Published: 16:55 BST, 20 June 2019 | Updated: 17:03 BST, 20 June 2019
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The hunt is on for two Tory MPs branded 'numpties' who spoiled their ballot papers in the vote to elect the next prime minister today - with suspicion even falling on Theresa May herself.
As in every previous round 313 votes were cast in the fourth round of votes this morning. But for the first time not all of them counted towards one of the four remaining candidates.
With just two votes separating second placed Michael Gove and challenger Jeremy Hunt, the spoiled papers could have had an impact on which opponent of front-runner Boris Johnson was seen to have the most momentum.
The ballot taking place in parliament is secret and many MPs have refused to say who they are backing.
They include Mrs May, who has declined to reveal who she is tipping to follow her in taking on one of the biggest jobs in world politics.
When journalists asked her this morning
