Liz Truss leaves it late to leapfrog Tory rivals into poll position

Analysis: in the most unpredictable leadership race in years, Tory MPs' vote was closer than final two would have liked

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The campaign team of Liz Truss say it was never in doubt" that she would get to the run-off in the leadership vote. But many would have preferred to see her overtake Penny Mordaunt on Tuesday this week, and had had some expectations that it would happen.

The result in the end was closer than either Truss or Rishi Sunak would have liked - and it became the most unpredictable leadership race in a generation. Truss will have huge cause to celebrate, coming from third to now the bookies' favourite to be next UK prime minister.