The Conservatives have changed the rules for leadership elections to eliminate candidates with little support, a senior party source has told Sky News.

The change means candidates will need the backing of eight MPs to formally enter the ballot, compared to the current total of just two.

In the ballot itself, candidates will be required to win 5% of votes (17 MPs) to move on from the first round and 10% (33 MPs) to make it through the second round.

If all candidates meet those thresholds, the one with the lowest number of votes will be eliminated.

Theresa May will resign as party leader on Friday, with the contest to succeed her formally beginning on 10 June, when nominations will open.


The first ballot will happen on 13 June, with further ballots on 18, 19 and 20 June.

Once the field has been reduced to two candidates, party members will vote for the winner.

This is expected to be completed in the week beginning 22 July, when Mrs May will leave Downing Street and hand over power to her successor.

A total of 11 candidates have put themselves forward to succeed her as party leader and prime minister.

Environment Secretary Michael Gove, Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, Health Secretary Matt Hancock, Home Secretary Sajid Javid and International Development Secretary Rory Stewart are all standing.

Theresa May announces departure - full statement

Former cabinet ministers Boris Johnson, Dominic Raab, Andrea Leadsom and Esther McVey - as well as former chief whip Mark Harper - complete the line-up.

The number of hopefuls has provoked disquiet among some in the party, with one minister saying that the Tories cannot risk weeks of "navel-gazing" as the clock ticks down towards Brexit on 31 October.

Image: Mr Malthouse acknowledged there is an 'appetite for this contest to be over quickly'

Amid the growing clamour for a shorter contest, two MPs have pulled out of the race.

Announcing his decision, housing minister Kit Malthouse said: "The last few days have demonstrated that there is an appetite for this contest to be over quickly and for the nation to have a new leader in place as soon as possible.

Image: Mr Cleverly withdrew from the race earlier on Tuesday

"As such, it seems right to me that I withdraw my candidature and wish those remaining the very best, always recognising there are going to be very challenging times ahead."

Brexit minister James Cleverly earlier announced his withdrawal, saying it was "highly unlikely" he would have been one of the final two candidates put forward in a final vote of party members.