Robert Jenrick becomes third Conservative leadership candidate

Once seen as a centrist figure and close ally of Mr Sunak, Mr Jenrick has since moved to the right.

His resignation from Mr Sunak’s government for not being sufficiently tough on migration marked a pivotal moment.

Since then, Mr Jenrick has championed strict immigration controls, advocating the UK’s withdrawal from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) as a way to regain border sovereignty.

In recent months, he has been seen as an ally of Suella Braverman, his former Home Office boss who is also believed to be considering a leadership campaign.

Managing Mr Jenrick’s campaign is Danny Kruger, an influential MP also on the right of the party.

In statement Mr Kruger said: ‘’To have any path back to government we must win back those voters we have lost – across the board but particularly to Reform.

“At the same time we have to bring our party together, united behind one set of coherent Conservative principles.

“The British people need to be convinced that we are the most responsible and competent party of government for us to have any chance of winning in 2029, especially when we know Labour are set to fail on so many important issues for our country.

“Rob Jenrick will do that. He has the energy, temperament and policy agenda to take on our rivals and lead us back to power in five years.”

Mr Jenrick will formally launch his campaign on 2 August.