Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt final two as MPs edge closer to Downing Street - as it happened

BREAKING - the result of the fourth ballot of Tory MPs is:

Michael Gove - 61

Jeremy Hunt - 59

Sajid Javid - 34

Boris Johnson - 157

Sajid Javid is eliminated from the contest.

Bizarrely, there were also two spoilt ballots.

Here's the video of the announcement:

The scramble for Sajid Javid's votes has begun immediately, with MPs already receiving text messages from Michael Gove and Jeremy Hunt's teams.

Mr Javid is understood not to be planning to endorse anyone this afternoon.

Strong words from a source close to Jeremy Hunt:

"Sajid Javid ran an excellent campaign that has demonstrated the depth and strength of the Conservative Party.

Jeremy is the best candidate to take on Boris Johnson in the final two and give the party a real choice.

"Boris and Michael are great candidates but we've see their personal psychodrama before: it's time to offer the country someone the EU will actually talk to. Jeremy is the candidate who can best unify the party and deliver Brexit."

Is Michael Gove's team worried about suggestions that a run-off between their man and Boris Johnson would be too divisive for the Conservative Party? Their candidate has just tweeted this...

Meanwhile, Mr Johnson has been talking up his support:

Mark Francois, a supporter of Mr Johnson, said: "The other thing that every MP wants to know is who were the two numpties who spoilt their ballot papers?

"I can't believe anybody did that by accident."

Mr Javid has said he is "truly humbled" after being knocked out of the leadership race:

In his full statement, Mr Javid said: 

Over the last few weeks it has been a great privilege to promote my vision for the country, through Brexit and beyond. I have been truly humbled by the support I have received from colleagues and Conservatives around the country.

I'm proud to have made the case for being a party that heals divisions, protects our precious Union, embraces modern Britain and brings Conservative values to new audiences. And that my team have navigated this contest in an honest, decent and straightforward way.

I want Britain to seize the opportunities ahead, but also to level the playing field so that everyone can have the opportunities to get ahead in life that they deserve. We can do that with a bold policy agenda - one that rebalances our economy, unleashes investment in our infrastructure, prioritises education and skills, and maintains law and order through a major boost in police numbers.

I will continue to focus on my responsibilities in the Home Office and reflect on whether to offer my support to another candidate. There are very challenging times ahead for our party, our government and our country. The Conservatives must continue to be a broad church if we are to deliver Brexit, bring change while in government, and beat Corbyn at the next election.

The three remaining candidates have earned their places in the final round. I wish them well in the weeks ahead and - whoever becomes Prime Minister - I urge my colleagues to get behind them as a team. If I can contribute to these efforts and serve my country in any way I will certainly do so.

If my ambition and conduct in this contest has set an example for anyone, then it has been more than worth it. This is my message to those children growing up as I did. To kids who look and feel a bit different to their classmates. Those who don't have many toys or private tutors. Those who feel like outsiders and wonder whether 'opportunity' is just for other people...

Work hard, have faith in your abilities, and don't let anyone try and cut you down to size or say you aren't a big enough figure to aim high. You have as much right as anyone to a seat at the top table, to be ambitious for yourself, and to make your voice heard. So seize every opportunity that this wonderful country presents to you with both hands. Your - and our - best days lie ahead.

Mr Gove has offered his commiserations to Mr Javid, telling him he is "a hero and a great friend".