Andrea Leadsom has emerged as the pro-Brexit choice for Conservative leader after support for Michael Gove faltered in the wake of his plot to remove Boris Johnson.

The Telegraph understands that around 30 MPs who had previously declared their support for Mr Johnson will next week endorse Mrs Leadsom, making her the most popular anti-EU candidate.

Mr Gove - who had hoped to become the leading Brexiteer in the race - has instead been ostracised by MPs furious at what they regard as an act of "treachery" following his decision to abandon Mr Johnson at the eleventh hour and run for the leadership alone.