Politics latest: Taxes likely to rise beyond scope of PM’s manifesto – as speculation mounts ahead of budget day

We’ll know the next leader of the opposition in just over a week’s time.

But until then, Robert Jenrick and Kemi Badenoch are still working hard to become the next leader of the Conservative Party.

Of the two, Mr Jenrick, has been more forthcoming with public events and talking to the media – but it does not seem to have shifted the dial majorly.

In a recent survey of Conservative Party members by the website ConservativeHome, Ms Badenoch had a lead of 55% to 31% – with the remainder unsure.

But Mr Jenrick maintained his belief he is still in the race when asked today.

Put to him that the contest was all but over, he said: “Absolutely not – this is neck and neck, that’s a survey not a poll.”

He added: “There’s everything to fight for, and I’m certainly going off around the country as I have throughout the summer.

“And I think my message is resonating with members and with the public that we need to learn our lessons, we need to have strong and clear policies now, not the vague promise of one tomorrow, unite the party and take the fight to Labour as quickly as possible.”

Mr Jenrick was speaking at the Henry Jackson Society, a foreign affairs think tank.

His speech made clear his hawkish views on China, Iran and Russia, and his desire to increase UK defence spending using the foreign aid budget.