The Penrith and the Border MP, who in 2002 walked across Afghanistan only months after the murderous Taliban regime was blasted into retreat, is currently the bookmakers’ second-favourite to replace Theresa May as Conservative Party leader and Prime Minister. Mr Stewart won the support of just 19 MPs in the first round last week, but Sunday’s Channel 4's debate gained him a huge surge of support. The endorsement from David Lidington, Theresa May’s effective deputy, boosted speculation last night that he could survive into today’s round.
Candidates who secure 33 votes and avoid coming last in this afternoon’s second ballot of Tory MPs will take part in a live TV debate on BBC One this evening.
Boris Johnson has agreed to join after refusing to participate in the debate on Sunday.
The other remaining candidates are Jeremy Hunt, Michael Gove, Dominic Raab and Sajid Javid.
As pressure mounts, a newly-resurfaced video sheds some light on what Rory Stewart is really like as an MP.
Rory Stewart danced with enthusiasm to an upbeat Lady Gaga’s song (Image: SAM ENGLAND / GETTY)
