Bolton West MP Chris Green does not want to disclose who he is backing in the Conservative leadership race now Tom Tugendhat is out.

Mr Green has been vocal in his support for Mr Tugendhat since the early stages of his leadership campaign, but last night’s round of votes saw him fall short of the mark.

Mr Tugendhat’s exit leave the final four vying for the last two spots which will allow them to be voted on by Tory members throughout the country, not just by its members of parliament.

The remaining four are former Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak, former Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, Penny Mordaunt and Kemi Badenoch - the latter two having held lesser prestigious positions in the previous government.

The Bolton News: The final four (L to R) Kemi Badenoch, Penny Mordaunt, Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss at the televised leadership debate. Credit :PAThe final four (L to R) Kemi Badenoch, Penny Mordaunt, Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss at the televised leadership debate. Credit :PA

Mr Green would not share who his choice would be now he has been forced to switch allegiance, although he did admit that Rishi Sunak is “almost certain” to be in the final two.

On where Mr Tugendhat fell short, Mr Green said: “His campaign, in the sense of the ideas expressed, did not fall short.

“There’s always a chance when somebody who hasn’t been in the cabinet wants to become the Prime Minister that people, understandably and especially when we’ve been in power for 12 years, want somebody who has experience.

“It’s my view that you can have all the experience in the world and not be a good Prime Minister - just look at Gordon Brown.”

Mr Green was diplomatic when asked to forecast the eventual winner and would not be drawn into making a definitive prediction.

The Bolton News: Frontrunner Rishi Sunak at the televised leadership debate. Credit: PAFrontrunner Rishi Sunak at the televised leadership debate. Credit: PA

He said: “We can see by the spread of votes by the parliamentary party that it’s quite balanced.

“We can now reasonably say that Rishi Sunak is almost certain to be in the final two. The question is - which one of Kemi, Penny or Liz joins him to be voted for by members from across the country?”

Bolton North East MP Mark Logan was also vocal in his support for Mr Tugendhat.

He has been approached for a comment.

UPDATE - Kemi Badenoch has since been knocked out of the race, leaving the other three to battle for the remaining two places.