Writing in the Times, Mr Tugendhat said the foreign secretary’s promises of tax cuts were based on “real Tory principles” and could unite the party. He said: “Liz has always championed British values at home and abroad. With her at the helm, I have no doubt we will move decisively to make this country safer.” Sunak grilled over tax hikes, Truss gets fresh support – leadership updates live Mr. Tugendhat had presented himself as the underdog who could make a clear break with a party mired in scandal and scandal. However, he was ruled out of the leadership contest in the third round of MPs’ voting earlier this month. The former soldier, who is chairman of the foreign affairs select committee, said that after watching the candidates go head-to-head in live televised debates, “only one has convinced me that she is ready”. He said both candidates had “tremendous qualities and many talents” but that Ms Truss had an advantage on the world stage because of her cabinet position. He said the world is “getting more difficult” as fuel prices rise around the world and that we need a leader “with the experience in foreign affairs to build alliances and keep our country safe”. He said: “That’s where the allies come in. As foreign secretary, Liz starts with a huge advantage. She can make our voices count.” Mr Tugendhat has become the latest high-profile Tory to back Mrs Truss. Defense Secretary Ben Wallace gave his support to Ms Truss last night, describing her as “genuine, honest and experienced”. Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player 14:59 Defense Secretary Ben Wallace announced his support for Liz Truss and said that Mr Sunak was initially the frontrunner in the race, winning the most support from MPs in the first rounds of voting. But the poll showed Ms Truss is more popular among Tory party members, who will ultimately decide who will be leader and the next prime minister. However, Mrs Truss insisted today that she was “not at all complacent” about her prospects. Asked if she was confident she would now win the race, she said she was “fighting for every vote across the country.” Read more: Secretarial schools, Northern Rail and Love Island – key proposals from first Tory leadership Boris Johnson like a ‘big unruly golden retriever, screaming for attention’ Chris Pincher refuses to answer questions after Boris Johnson’s fall “I am the person who can get our economy growing, cut taxes but also unlock all the opportunities of Brexit, and that is what I am determined to do,” she told reporters in Norfolk. “I’m delighted to have Ben Wallace’s support. We’ve worked very closely together. He’s been a fantastic defense secretary for our country.” Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss will join a one-on-one debate on Sky News on Thursday 4 August at 8pm hosted by Kay Burley. If you would like to join the live studio audience and have the opportunity to ask a question, please apply here.
