What is really going on in politics? Get our daily email briefing straight to your inbox Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Tory boss Brandon Lewis is being warned police will be called in if Boris Johnson supporters intimidate voters during the leadership contest.

The Sunday Mirror has obtained a sensational email to the Tory chairman alleging some MPs were bullied into giving the leadership favourite their vote.

Under the subject heading “candidate hustings intimidation tactics” it was sent before MPs whittled down candidates to the final two.

The writer is David Morris, MP for Morecambe and Lunesdale, acting as member of the influential Commons Administration Committee.

(Image: Getty)

He claims one MP reported receiving a phone call from his local association chairman threatening to pass a motion of no confidence in him if he did not vote for Mr Johnson.

Mr Morris said national electoral laws should apply to the leadership vote.

He wrote: “This is intimidatory behaviour. These are very serious tactics and could lead to criminal prosecutions. I want a categoric assurance these kinds of activities will not continue.”

In final voting on Thursday, Mr Johnson got 160 votes against 77 for Jeremy Hunt.

Jeremy Hunt is battling Boris to become Britain's next Prime Minister after ousting Michael Gove by a whisker in an historic showdown.

The Foreign Secretary came just two votes ahead of his rival in the Tory leadership contest - as the ballot was marred by claims of dirty tricks and "vote-rigging".

Boris Johnson stormed the final parliamentary round of the party's race, dwarfing his rivals with 160 votes.

(Image: Reuters)

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

But Jeremy Hunt regained his second place position gaining 18 extra MPs amid rumours Mr Johnson's team "lent" him votes in a "dark arts" campaign.

There were audible gasps in Commons Committee Room 14 as it was revealed Mr Gove had crashed out with 75 votes from MPs.

Mr Hunt squeaked ahead with 77 votes - meaning he and Mr Johnson will now spend a month fighting for 160,000 Tory members' votes.

Labour MP Andrew Gwynne fumed: "What a choice: the man who broke the NHS or the man who wants to sell it to Donald Trump.

"A handful of unrepresentative Conservative members should not be choosing our next Prime Minister. People should decide through a General Election."