Tory leadership race live: Contenders launch campaigns

The Tory leadership campaign has formally got under way, with the contenders setting out their stalls.

Candidates must submit nominations by 5pm, with a shortlist announced afterwards. They need a proposer, seconder and six other supporting MPs.

Michael Gove was battling to stay in the contest after his admission of cocaine use led to calls to withdraw.

The Environment Secretary will attempt to present himself as a “serious” alternative to the contest’s frontrunner Boris Johnson when he launches his campaign, and insists he is “undaunted” by criticism.

Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt will use his launch event to stress his credentials as a statesman who can handle the complexities of Brexit. Health Secretary Matt Hancock and former Brexit secretary Dominic Raab are also holding events to launch their campaigns.

Here’s the latest:

10.20am

Watch: Who are the contenders so far?

10.05am

10am

Nominations have opened in the Conservative Party leadership contest.

Candidates must submit nominations by 5pm. They need a proposer, seconder and six other supporting MPs.