There were accusations of “dirty tricks” on Tuesday when Nadine Dorries, the culture secretary – a staunch supporter of Boris Johnson – pointed the finger at Mr Sunak’s campaign team, whose resignation last week helped take down Mr Johnson.
Ms Dorries shared online claims that the Sunak camp had lent votes to Jeremy Hunt, the former health minister seeking leadership, saying it amounted to a “stitch-up” and “dark arts”.
“Team Rishi wants the candidate they know they can definitely beat in the final two and that’s Jeremy Hunt,” she wrote on Twitter.
Both Mr Sunak and Mr Hunt’s team denied the claim. Mr Hunt said: “We run completely independent campaigns.”
The public dealing in accusations reflected the resentment of the Tory banks as the battle to choose a successor to Mr Johnson intensifies.
Mr Sunak, who has the support of more declared MPs than any rival, got the support of Dominic Raab, the Deputy Prime Minister, and Mr Shapps, who were both in attendance its official campaign launch on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Liz Truss, whose team is trying to portray her as the most viable “stop Rishi” candidate, has secured the support of Jacob Rees-Mogg, the Brexit minister, and Ms Dorries, both of whom are announced their support on Downing Street.
Mrs. Patel, who never publicly launched a leadership bid after hesitation, and Mr Javid, who held a formal leadership launch event on Monday, has yet to announce who they will be returning next. Their support will no doubt be eagerly sought by the remaining candidates.