Robert Jenrick has joined the race to run for Conservative Party leader.

The former minister is the third Tory to throw their hat into the ring to replace Rishi Sunak as leader of the party after he stepped down following a devastating loss at the general election three weeks ago.

Mr Jenrick, 42, served as an immigration minister and health minister, as well as housing, communities and local government secretary.

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The MP, who has shifted to the right of the party on migration, has promised to win back Reform voters and unite the Tories.

James Cleverly and Tom Tugendhat have also announced they are running in the contest after nominations opened on Wednesday evening.

Nominees must have 10 backers to submit their papers to enter the race.

Image: James Cleverly was home secretary. Pic: PA
Image: Tom Tugendhat could be backed by moderate Tories. Pic: PA

Mr Jenrick's campaign manager, MP Danny Kruger, confirmed he submitted Mr Jenrick's nomination papers on Thursday morning.

He 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."

Read more:
Tom Tugendhat joins race to replace Sunak
James Cleverly kicks off Tory leadership race

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Mr Jenrick was an ally of Mr Sunak but resigned from his cabinet in December as he argued the Rwanda plan to deter illegal immigration did not go far enough.

Four other Tory MPs have picked up nomination papers: Priti Patel, Kemi Badenoch, Mel Stride and Suella Braverman.

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