UK politics live: Huge boost to Cleverly’s Tory leadership bid after shock vote win as Tugendhat eliminated

Chariman of the 1922 Committee of Tory MPs Bob Blackman will appear at 3.30pm to announce the result of the latest round of voting in the leadership contest.

Connor Naismith, Labour MP for Crewe and Nantwich, has criticised the Tories for their support of tax breaks for private education during the ongoing VAT discussion.

Speaking passionately in the Commons, Mr Naismith argued that the previous administration demonstrated a lack of change in their priorities.

He said: “(The Conservatives) have demonstrated perfectly well that nothing has changed and it’s business as usual as they choose to leap to the defence of tax breaks for private education.

“Only 7 per cent of children in the UK go to a private school, a smaller proportion than the most recent Conservative cabinet, of which it is believed that 65 per cent were privately educated. So, perhaps that tells us something about why we are debating this matter today.”

Tory members on the opposition benches responded by shouting – “look around you”.

MPs continue to debate Labour’s decision to scrap tax exemptions for private schools.

Alicia Kearns, Conservative MP for Rutland and Stamford, condemned Labour’s proposal to impose VAT on school fees, calling it “cruel and vindictive”.

Speaking in the House of Commons, she warned that the move would have dire consequences for rural economies, which rely heavily on the presence of independent schools.

She told members: “I have over 2,000 people locally who are employed directly by independent schools, let alone those working within the supply chain, whether it be buses, or food, or flowers, or cafes or shops, rural economies do not have that many options at the moment and independent schools are a bedrock for them.

“So, the economic impact of this (policy) should be considered within that impact assessment, which I very much doubt has been carried out.”

Downing Street has downplayed fears that potential changes to borrowing rules in the upcoming Budget could trigger a crisis like the chaotic premiership of Liz Truss.

The government insisted that it is committed to restoring economic stability, amid growing speculation that shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves plans to revamp fiscal policies.

With the Budget statement set to be released at the end of this month, investors are cautioning shadow chancellor Jeremy Hunt to “walk a tightrope” to avoid unsettling the markets and prompting a sell-off of government bonds.

In response to fears of a Truss-style chaos, a No 10 spokesperson said: “Obviously, I wouldn’t accept that characterisation.

“The government has made clear that one of the first steps of this government is to restore economic stability in the Budget. It will absolutely deliver on that, delivering on the robust fiscal rules that were set out in the manifesto.

“That includes moving the current Budget into balance, it includes debt falling as a share of the economy, and more broadly, as I say, the Budget will be about fixing the foundations of the economy, delivering stability, because it is only with economic stability that we will get the growth and investment that the economy needs.”

Another YouGov poll has revealed the popularity of the Conservative leadership candidates among the general public and Tory voters.

James Cleverly emerged as the frontrunner with 46 per cent of the support.

Tom Tugendhat follows with 35 per cent of the backing and just 14 per cent unfavourable, while Robert Jenrick garners 32 pre cent favourable.

In contrast, Kemi Badenoch sees a close split with 31 per cent favourability and 30 per cent of unfavourable.

Boris Johnnson has denied mocking the public for obeying lockdown rules “like a religion” in his new memoir, which saw him question why people “so avidly craved” restrictions.

Speaking to Sky News, Mr Johnson said he “totally rejects” the claim he was expressing disdain for members of the public who followed the rules during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Our political correspondent Millie Cooke has the full story below:

Ina bid to reassure parents, Treasury minister James Murray claimed that the majority of private schools are expected to manage the upcoming VAT charge.

Addressing the Commons, Mr Murray explained that while these institutions will now be required to apply the tax to their services, “we believe most private schools will absorb a considerable proportion of this new charge and keep fee increases affordable for most parents”.

Mr Murray also told MPs: “The government recognises some pupils may subsequently move into the state education sector as a result of this policies.

“However, as set out in the technical note the number of pupils who may switch schools as a result of these changes represent a very small proportion of the overall numbers in the state sector and the government is therefore confident that the state sector will be able to accommodate any additional pupils that these policies will cause to move.”

Sir Keir Starmer’s approval ratings have taken a sharp hit, with nearly 63 per cent of voters holding an unfavourable opinion.

The YouGov survey, conducted from 4-5 October, indicates that just 27 per cent of respondents view the prime minister positively.

This marks a concerning milestone for Sir Keir as it is his lowest approval rating since he took the leadership of the party in 2020.

Among those who identify as Labour supporters, 61 per cent still maintain a favourable view of the PM, wile 34 per cent express dissatisfaction.

While Tories cast their votes, we turn to Westminster, where MPs are debating VAT on private school fees.

The opposition has voiced significant criticism regarding the potential implications of Labour’s plan.

During the debate, shadow foreign minister Alicia Kearns claimed that if a child in a nursery class turns five, all parents in that setting could find themselves liable for VAT on their nursery fees.

Ms Kearns branded the changes as “rushed” and “Ill-conceived”, highlighting the potential consequences of the legislation.

Shadow education secretary Damian Hinds echoed her criticism, pointing out at a “sloppy drafting” of the bill that could tax children who are not yet of school age simply because they share a classroom with their older peers.

Kemi Badenoch, James Cleverly, Robert Jenrick and Tom Tugendhat are the final candidates for the Tory top spot. Although the race was announced on 5 July, the leader will not be revealed until early November – although two candidates have called for the timeframe to be cut down.

Until then, former prime minister Rishi Sunak retains the position and has refused to be drawn into the ongoing contest so far.

Here’s your guide to the four candidates to be the next Conservative Party leader: