Tory leadership contest: Portsmouth North's Penny Mordaunt closes in on 100-name target for MPs' support

A source in her campaign has said that the MP has now received the support of 90 Tory MPs – 10 away from the figure of 100 that would see her put forward to be voted on by the Conservative Party members.

Although no number are confirm yet, it is widely assumed that former chancellor Rishi Sunak has already reached the 100-mark.

Ms Mordaunt's campaign source urged others to back her so the party membership can select the next prime minister.

A campaign source said: ‘We have now passed 90. For the sake of the party, it’s important our members have their say.’

Several prominent Conservative politicians visited Rishi Sunak’s campaign headquarters this morning.

Kemi Badenoch and Gavin Williamson both stopped off at Mr Sunak’s office in Westminster.

Mr Sunak arrived at his office at about 8.30am before departing shortly afterwards.

Earlier today a spokeswoman for Ms Mordaunt said she was 'getting the numbers’ required to face Mr Sunak in a ballot of Tory members and is ‘in it to win it’.

The spokeswoman said: ‘Penny is speaking to colleagues from across the party. She’s getting the numbers and she’s in it to win it.’

If Ms Mordaunt does not reach 100, Mr Sunak will be named Tory leader and thus Prime Minister this afternoon, after Boris Johnson withdrew from the race last night.