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Brexit live: Crabb and Fox out of Tory race after May wins first round of voting Brexit live: Crabb and Fox out of Tory race after May wins first round of voting
(35 minutes later)
9.02pm BST
21:02
Caroline Lucas calls forcross party electoral pact
Speaking alongside Lewis, Green MP Caroline Lucas called for an electoral pact between Labour, the Liberal Democrats, the Greens and Plaid Cymru.
The former Green party leader - who is again running for the party’s leadership on a joint ticket - said that a progressive electoral alliance should be formed with a commitment to proportional representation, reports Harrison Jones for the Guardian.
Lucas said: “I believe we need to lobby for an early election, because no politician has a mandate to design a specific Brexit negotiation stance and to prevent the formulation of a Tory-Ukip government that would enact an ultra-right Brexit scenario.
“There should be a pre-election pact between Labour, the Greens, the Lib Dems and Plaid and the glue holding together such a pact should be a commitment to proportional representation.”
She also revealed that last week the Greens had sent out letters to three other left leaning parties - though notably not the Scottish National Party - and that “conversations are beginning to happen”.
Big applause for @CarolineLucas She calls for electoral reform #ProgressiveAlliance pic.twitter.com/vop3Fq8abG
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8.57pm BST
20:57
The Labour Party is fighting for its survival and faces losing out to Ukip in areas that backed leaving the European Union, the shadow defence minister Clive Lewis has admitted.
The Guardian’s Matt Weaver was listening to Lewis speak earlier alongside Green party MP Caroline Lucas at a Compass event on the progressive response to Brexit and reports
Lewis who was promoted to Labour’s front bench after last week’s coup against Jeremy Corbyn, has been put forward by some as a potential new leader to resolve the current impasse.
He said: “The current crisis with the Parliamentary Labour Party is not some ego-led squabble between wantabe leaders, it is the expression of a much deeper crisis within the Labour party and its relationship with its voters.”
“In May 2015 we lost votes to Ukip, the SNP and the Greens. Three parties with wildly different positions on the left right axis. We failed to get anywhere near enough LibDems who should have been flocking to us. This means the Labour party is fighting for its survival on several different flanks at once. Politically that is a very dangerous place to be.”
Lewis said the Labour risked alienating voters if it shifted to the or the right. He said: “This referendum results confirms what 2015 told us about where many working class Labour voters are going. They feel abandoned by the Labour party and now they in their turn have abandoned the Labour party in growing numbers.”
'This shit just got real' @labourlewis tells @CompassOffice live event
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8.51pm BST
20:51
Stephen Crabb has warned that the Conservative Party risking being split if those within it persist in labelling each other either as remainers or leavers.
In a thinly veiled swipe at Andrea Leadsom’s camp, which has recently been attacking Theresa May over her support for the remain side during the referendum campaign, Crabb said that people should avoid creating what he called “a new litmus test.”
“Every day that goes by that we continue to use these labels we will risk splitting the party irrevocably and the weaker we will get,” Crabb told Sky News after announcing that he was dropping out of the race and throwing his support behind May’s candidacy.
It’s no longer a question of where the candidates stood on the EU, he said, adding: “We are all committed now to taking Britain out of the EU.”
As for where the Tory membership comes into the race, Crabb said that he was confident that they would look beyond the labels and recognised the qualities and strengths of May.
The latest survey by ConservativeHome, released on Monday, showed that Leadsom is vying closely with Theresa May for the support of party members. it’s important to note however that May performed better a recent YouGov poll of Party members.
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8.40pm BST
20:40
Michael Gove has given his response to the results of the Tory leadership ballot, in which he finished third. Trying again to carve out a unique selling point for himself, he emphasises his status as a Brexiteer (unlike May) and as someone with experience at the “highest levels of government” (unlike Leadsom).
He said:
I am delighted by the support I have received from colleagues. It reflects the optimistic message that I’ve been putting forward.
Now that Britain has voted to leave, I think the country deserves to have a leader who believes in Britain outside the European Union and who also has experience at the highest level of government.
I hope that in the days to come, I’ll be able to convince my colleagues that I should be one of the candidates that Conservative party members can choose from. I think they should have a choice between two candidates of experience, two candidates who have delivered in government departments.
I think that the message I have of optimism and hope about Britain’s bright future outside the European Union is shared by many Conservative members and voters - indeed by a majority of the country.
8.28pm BST8.28pm BST
20:2820:28
Liam Fox backs Theresa May in Tory leadership raceLiam Fox backs Theresa May in Tory leadership race
Liam Fox has said that he is backing Theresa May, which he says will be a “very fine prime minister.”Liam Fox has said that he is backing Theresa May, which he says will be a “very fine prime minister.”
“In this leadership election we have nine weeks before the candidate who is successful becomes the prime minister. It is essential that they have an understanding of the top levels of government, international affairs and how the process in Whitehall operates,” he told reporters outside Westminster in the last ten minutes.“In this leadership election we have nine weeks before the candidate who is successful becomes the prime minister. It is essential that they have an understanding of the top levels of government, international affairs and how the process in Whitehall operates,” he told reporters outside Westminster in the last ten minutes.
Fox says that he intends to campaign for her and work closely with her. His reasons for running included raising the profile of national security as an issue, as well as emphasising the need for experience.Fox says that he intends to campaign for her and work closely with her. His reasons for running included raising the profile of national security as an issue, as well as emphasising the need for experience.
There were no questions as Fox hurried off. It’s clear however that many will be thinking that he is angling for a return to government, perhaps to his old defence porfolio.There were no questions as Fox hurried off. It’s clear however that many will be thinking that he is angling for a return to government, perhaps to his old defence porfolio.
Fox resigned that position in 2011, folding under the pressure of daily revelations about the man he gave access to the heart of government and British defence strategy.Fox resigned that position in 2011, folding under the pressure of daily revelations about the man he gave access to the heart of government and British defence strategy.
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8.15pm BST8.15pm BST
20:1520:15
Crabb said that he spoke earlier to Theresa May and was now giving her his “wholehearted” support.Crabb said that he spoke earlier to Theresa May and was now giving her his “wholehearted” support.
Asked on BBC if he had asked for anything from May, he replied: “I asked for nothing from Theresa. She asked for nothing from me. That’s not the way we work.”Asked on BBC if he had asked for anything from May, he replied: “I asked for nothing from Theresa. She asked for nothing from me. That’s not the way we work.”
Crabb added: “Let’s not underestimate the seriousness of the challenge. We have a deeply divided party. We have a deeply divided country. And that’s why I think we need to recognise there’s only one candidate in this race who has got any hope of bringing together our party, and providing a strong government to unite our country, and that is Theresa May.”Crabb added: “Let’s not underestimate the seriousness of the challenge. We have a deeply divided party. We have a deeply divided country. And that’s why I think we need to recognise there’s only one candidate in this race who has got any hope of bringing together our party, and providing a strong government to unite our country, and that is Theresa May.”
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8.08pm BST8.08pm BST
20:0820:08
Stephen Crabb drops out of Tory leadership raceStephen Crabb drops out of Tory leadership race
Stephen Crabb has dropped out of the Tory leadership race following the results of the first round of voting. He’s backing Theresa May.Stephen Crabb has dropped out of the Tory leadership race following the results of the first round of voting. He’s backing Theresa May.
The secretary of state for work and pensions had been considering his position after finishing second last (with 34 voters) in voting, which saw Liam Fox eliminated earlier.The secretary of state for work and pensions had been considering his position after finishing second last (with 34 voters) in voting, which saw Liam Fox eliminated earlier.
The next round of voting takes place on Thursday.The next round of voting takes place on Thursday.
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7.41pm BST7.41pm BST
19:4119:41
Labour releases details of new shadow cabinetLabour releases details of new shadow cabinet
Ben QuinnBen Quinn
Full details of the new Labour shadow cabinet have been released by the party and it’s a list which reveals the extent of its divisions.Full details of the new Labour shadow cabinet have been released by the party and it’s a list which reveals the extent of its divisions.
A number of members are doing two jobs each, while there does not seem to be an attorney general yet. Among the notable changes, the shadow business secretary post goes to Jon Trickett, a key ally of Jeremy Corbyn, while there’s no change in the position of Jon Ashworth, an ally of deputy leader Tom Watson. It means that Ashworth retains his seat on Labour’s national executive committee (NEC).A number of members are doing two jobs each, while there does not seem to be an attorney general yet. Among the notable changes, the shadow business secretary post goes to Jon Trickett, a key ally of Jeremy Corbyn, while there’s no change in the position of Jon Ashworth, an ally of deputy leader Tom Watson. It means that Ashworth retains his seat on Labour’s national executive committee (NEC).
Overall, the gender balance is worse than before, with women taking 10 of the 25 positions.Overall, the gender balance is worse than before, with women taking 10 of the 25 positions.
Amid apparent difficulties in finding people to take up key roles in the face of the rebellion against Corbyn, a number of the parliamentary party’s 2015 intake step in - including Clive Lewis at defence and Richard Burgon as shadow secretary of state for justice and shadow lord chancellor.Amid apparent difficulties in finding people to take up key roles in the face of the rebellion against Corbyn, a number of the parliamentary party’s 2015 intake step in - including Clive Lewis at defence and Richard Burgon as shadow secretary of state for justice and shadow lord chancellor.
Here is the full list from Labour:Here is the full list from Labour:
Leader of the Labour party: Jeremy Corbyn MPLeader of the Labour party: Jeremy Corbyn MP
Deputy leader, party chair and shadow minister for the Cabinet Office: Tom Watson MPDeputy leader, party chair and shadow minister for the Cabinet Office: Tom Watson MP
Shadow secretary of state for business, innovation and skills, and shadow lord president of the council and campaigns and elections chair: Jon Trickett MPShadow secretary of state for business, innovation and skills, and shadow lord president of the council and campaigns and elections chair: Jon Trickett MP
Shadow minister for voter engagement and youth affairs: Cat Smith MPShadow minister for voter engagement and youth affairs: Cat Smith MP
Shadow minister without portfolio: Jonathan Ashworth MPShadow minister without portfolio: Jonathan Ashworth MP
Shadow secretary of state for communities and local government and shadow minister for the constitutional convention: Grahame Morris MPShadow secretary of state for communities and local government and shadow minister for the constitutional convention: Grahame Morris MP
Shadow secretary of state for culture, media and sport: Kelvin Hopkins MPShadow secretary of state for culture, media and sport: Kelvin Hopkins MP
Shadow secretary of state for defence: Clive Lewis MPShadow secretary of state for defence: Clive Lewis MP
Shadow secretary of state for education and shadow minister for women and equalities: Angela Rayner MPShadow secretary of state for education and shadow minister for women and equalities: Angela Rayner MP
Shadow secretary of state for energy and climate change: Barry Gardiner MPShadow secretary of state for energy and climate change: Barry Gardiner MP
Shadow secretary of state for environment, food and rural affairs: Rachael Maskell MPShadow secretary of state for environment, food and rural affairs: Rachael Maskell MP
Shadow foreign secretary: Emily Thornberry MPShadow foreign secretary: Emily Thornberry MP
Shadow secretary of state for health: Diane Abbott MPShadow secretary of state for health: Diane Abbott MP
Shadow home secretary: Andy Burnham MPShadow home secretary: Andy Burnham MP
Shadow secretary of state for international development: Kate Osamor MPShadow secretary of state for international development: Kate Osamor MP
Shadow secretary of state for justice and shadow lord chancellor: Richard Burgon MPShadow secretary of state for justice and shadow lord chancellor: Richard Burgon MP
Shadow leader of the House and shadow secretary of state for Wales: Paul Flynn MPShadow leader of the House and shadow secretary of state for Wales: Paul Flynn MP
Shadow secretary of state for Northern Ireland and shadow secretary of state for Scotland: Dave Anderson MPShadow secretary of state for Northern Ireland and shadow secretary of state for Scotland: Dave Anderson MP
Shadow secretary of state for transport: Andy McDonald MPShadow secretary of state for transport: Andy McDonald MP
Shadow chancellor of the exchequer: John McDonnell MPShadow chancellor of the exchequer: John McDonnell MP
Shadow chief secretary to the Treasury: Rebecca Long-Bailey MPShadow chief secretary to the Treasury: Rebecca Long-Bailey MP
Shadow secretary of state for work and pensions: Debbie Abrahams MPShadow secretary of state for work and pensions: Debbie Abrahams MP
Opposition chief whip: Dame Rosie Winterton MPOpposition chief whip: Dame Rosie Winterton MP
Leader of the House of Lords: Lady (Angela) SmithLeader of the House of Lords: Lady (Angela) Smith
House of Lords chief whip: Lord (Steve) BassamHouse of Lords chief whip: Lord (Steve) Bassam
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7.19pm BST7.19pm BST
19:1919:19
Andrew SparrowAndrew Sparrow
This is from Newsnight’s Nicholas Watt.This is from Newsnight’s Nicholas Watt.
Team @andrealeadsom say @Gove2016 had 30 MPs - extra 18 lent by @TheresaMay2016 who prefers him in final round. Denied by Team MayTeam @andrealeadsom say @Gove2016 had 30 MPs - extra 18 lent by @TheresaMay2016 who prefers him in final round. Denied by Team May
I’m finishing now for the night. My colleague Ben Quinn is taking over.I’m finishing now for the night. My colleague Ben Quinn is taking over.
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7.13pm BST7.13pm BST
19:1319:13
Fox says next Tory leader has to have 'experience'Fox says next Tory leader has to have 'experience'
Liam Fox has put out a statement about the result.Liam Fox has put out a statement about the result.
Here is an excerpt.Here is an excerpt.
I have also sought to stress the need for experience as the successful candidate will have to take up the reins of government in less than 9 weeks.I have also sought to stress the need for experience as the successful candidate will have to take up the reins of government in less than 9 weeks.
Liam Fox statement pic.twitter.com/1mMYQ1Jl6LLiam Fox statement pic.twitter.com/1mMYQ1Jl6L
Fox says he will make a statement about his “intentions” - presumably his voting intentions - in due course.Fox says he will make a statement about his “intentions” - presumably his voting intentions - in due course.
The reference to experience in his statement would rule out his supporting Stephen Crabb or Andrea Leadsom.The reference to experience in his statement would rule out his supporting Stephen Crabb or Andrea Leadsom.
The Sunday Times’s Tim Shipman thinks Fox will back Theresa May.The Sunday Times’s Tim Shipman thinks Fox will back Theresa May.
Liam Fox is a regular dining partner of Theresa May. Very likely that he will now back her.Liam Fox is a regular dining partner of Theresa May. Very likely that he will now back her.
7.05pm BST7.05pm BST
19:0519:05
These are from the Evening Standard’s Joe Murphy.These are from the Evening Standard’s Joe Murphy.
Gove is 18 behind Leadsom - and Fox only has 16. The maths look difficult for him.Gove is 18 behind Leadsom - and Fox only has 16. The maths look difficult for him.
Fox out - and not much point in Gove or Crabb staying in the race. Do we need a thursday ballot?Fox out - and not much point in Gove or Crabb staying in the race. Do we need a thursday ballot?
@jamesmatesitv Gove needs to pick off Leadsom supporters. But May has enough spare votes to keep Leadsom ahead of him if she wishes@jamesmatesitv Gove needs to pick off Leadsom supporters. But May has enough spare votes to keep Leadsom ahead of him if she wishes
7.00pm BST7.00pm BST
19:0019:00
This is from ITV’s Alastair Stewart.This is from ITV’s Alastair Stewart.
#ToryLeadership Former 'Remain' campaigners 199; former 'Leave' campaigners 130.#ToryLeadership Former 'Remain' campaigners 199; former 'Leave' campaigners 130.
6.56pm BST6.56pm BST
18:5618:56
Here is ConservativeHome’s Paul Goodman on the result.Here is ConservativeHome’s Paul Goodman on the result.
+ @TheresaMay2016 on half the vote. Looks like she's the one that Tory MPs want. Big implications.+ @TheresaMay2016 on half the vote. Looks like she's the one that Tory MPs want. Big implications.
On these figures, @Gove2016 could just make the final two if he scoops up enough of @LiamFoxMP's and later @CrabbForBritain's votes.On these figures, @Gove2016 could just make the final two if he scoops up enough of @LiamFoxMP's and later @CrabbForBritain's votes.
Could be wrong - but smell some tactical voting for Gove here by @theresamay2016 provisional wing.Could be wrong - but smell some tactical voting for Gove here by @theresamay2016 provisional wing.
6.54pm BST6.54pm BST
18:5418:54
This is from ITV’s Adrian Masters.This is from ITV’s Adrian Masters.
A Conservative MP suggested to me earlier that most, if not all, Crabb supporters wd back Theresa May if he were to withdraw from the raceA Conservative MP suggested to me earlier that most, if not all, Crabb supporters wd back Theresa May if he were to withdraw from the race
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This is from BuzzFeed’s Jim Waterson.This is from BuzzFeed’s Jim Waterson.
Leadsom supporters terrified other MPs (ie May supporters) will now move to stop her reaching the final two by voting tactically for Gove.Leadsom supporters terrified other MPs (ie May supporters) will now move to stop her reaching the final two by voting tactically for Gove.
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18:5218:52
This is from the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg.This is from the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg.
Leadsom's team still buoyant, they believe govt whips been colluding to stop herLeadsom's team still buoyant, they believe govt whips been colluding to stop her
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6.49pm BST6.49pm BST
18:4918:49
This is from Newsnight’s Nicholas Watt.This is from Newsnight’s Nicholas Watt.
After @andrealeadsom 2nd place @PennyMordauntMP tells me: the momentum is with Andrea, a contest between her and @TheresaMay2016 excitingAfter @andrealeadsom 2nd place @PennyMordauntMP tells me: the momentum is with Andrea, a contest between her and @TheresaMay2016 exciting
Team @andrealeadsom thought they had 65 votes in the bag. Went one better to 66Team @andrealeadsom thought they had 65 votes in the bag. Went one better to 66
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