Tory leadership: Two MPs pull out (Image: GETTY) The candidate list had ballooned to 13 at the beginning of the week following the announcement that Sam Gyimah would run but that same list has now been reduced following the withdrawals of James Cleverly and Kit Malthouse. The two ministers were considered as two of the weaker candidates with Boris Johnson and Michael Gove surging ahead as the two leading contenders to become the Prime Minister. On the announcement of his withdrawal from the race, Mr Malthouse admitted that there was an “appetite for this contest to be over quickly”. Related articles Leadsom delivers huge BLOW to EU over £39bn Brexit bill if no deal Tory leadership: Gove dealt CRUEL blow as key member back Johnson Although he insisted that he thought he could make a significant impact on the race, Mr Malthouse added that there was a desire “for the nation to have a new leader in place as soon as possible”. The move from both MPs comes as the Conservative party confirmed changes to limit the numbers of MPs proceeding through the latter stages of a contest which has been labelled as “shambolic” by Ken Clarke. Earlier on Tuesday, Mr Cleverly was forced to admit that he would “progress to the final two candidates”. The Brexit Minister’s announcement comes less than a week after he announced his desire to run in the race. READ MORE: Theresa May leave date confirmed as new PM to enter No10 in WEEKS Tory leadership: There are now 11 candidates in the race (Image: Express) Tory leadership: James Cleverly pulls out under a week after joining the race (Image: GETTY) Mr Cleverly added: “Unfortunately and with a heavy heart I've decided to withdraw from the race. “It is clear that despite much support, particularly from our party's grassroots, MPs weren't comfortable with such a move and it has become clear that it is highly unlikely that I would progress to the final two candidates.” The announcement from the two MPs comes as Michael Gove was given a private meeting with US President Donald Trump on Tuesday. Over the last few days, Mr Gove has challenged Mr Johnson for the top spot in the race after gathering support from MPs such as Nick Morgan and Amber Rudd. READ MORE: Donald Trump meets Michael Gove: Boris SNUBBED by US President Related articles Tories running for PM 'JEALOUS' of Johnson's relationship with Trump The Tory leadership candidates seeking ANOTHER Brexit extension Tory leadership: Michael Gove is the lead contender (Image: GETTY) Mr Johnson has recently warned that the Tory party will face “extinction” if it fails to deliver Brexit. Speaking at the first hustings of the leadership contest, Mr Johnson insisted that the party must put Nigel Farage “back in his box”. He added: “We are looking at a very difficult situation and we must get ready, eventually but not immediately, to beat Jeremy Corbyn and put Farage back in his box. “We are facing an existential crisis and will not be forgiven if we do not deliver Brexit on October 31.”All rights reserved for this news site express.co.uk and under his responsibility