Tory leader contest up in air as party figures disagree on timetable

Idea for interim leader and candidates not chosen until autumn conflicting with desire to act sooner

Senior Tories have failed to reach agreement about a timetable for their leadership contest, with a big split existing between key figures in the party.

It means no decision will be made on selecting a new leader until at least next week, when the executive of the 1922 Committee of backbenchers will meet again.