Sam Gyimah has pulled out of the race for Number 10 (Image: GETTY)
The Remainer announced he was pulling out of the battle for the Tory crown because he failed to get the support he needed to stand. According to party rules, lawmakers must have the backing of eight MPs to be able to run the the race. The 1922 committee announced this afternoon that 10 candidates had secured the required number of endorsements and the first ballot to whittle the contenders down to the final two will take place on Thursday morning.
The MP for East Surrey said he believes he was too late declaring his intention to run to afford him enough time to get eight people behind him.
Mr Gyimah said: “I entered the Conservative Party leadership contest to broaden the debate and bring the diverse view of millions on Brexit to the fore.
“It has been a tremendous privilege to be able to make the case for a new referendum as a credible solution to break the Brexit deadlock.
“I am hugely
