Former Tory leadership contender Tom Tugendhat has endorsed Liz Truss in the race to be prime minister, in a huge blow to Rishi Sunak.

Writing in The Times, Mr Tugendhat said that the foreign secretary’s promises of tax cuts are based on “true Conservative principles” and that she can unite the party.

He said: “Liz has always stood up for British values at home, and abroad. With her at the helm, I have no doubt that we will move with determination to make this country safer and more secure.”

It comes after Defence Secretary Ben Wallace gave his backing to Ms Truss last night, describing her as “authentic, honest and experienced”.

Mr Sunak was initially the frontrunner in the race, winning the most support from MPs in the first few rounds of voting.

But polling has shown Ms Truss is more popular among Tory party members, who will ultimately decide who will be the leader and next prime minister.

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