Liz Truss secures backing of 11 Tory whips in fresh blow for Rishi Sunak

Liz Truss has secured the backing of 11 government whips as she seeks to consolidate her lead over Rishi Sunak among Tory party members.

Therese Coffey, a supporter of Ms Truss, shared a graphic on Twitter on Tuesday morning to show those who are supporting the current foreign secretary.

Those shown to be backing her are: Sir David Evennett, Stuart Anderson, Adam Holloway, Suzanne Webb, Joy Morrissey, Gareth Johnson, Scott Mann, Craig Whittaker, David TC Davies, James Duddridge and Rebecca Harris.

Chief whip Chris Heaton-Harris had said on July 8 that their office would remain neutral throughout the election - which will culminate with the naming of Boris Johnson’s successor by September 5.

The ban on whip declarations has since been lifted, although Mr Heaton-Harris has not declared who he will vote for.

Mr Mann said: "I have worked with Liz in the Treasury and seen first-hand how she deals with complex situations, and I believe her vision for the country and domestic policy platform is best placed to take us forward."

Stuart Anderson added: “I have worked with Liz Truss on many occasions during the past few years. I believe that her economic position, her commitment to increasing defence spending to 3 per cent of GDP, and her parliamentary experience makes her the best option to lead our country."

Mr Sunak is currently trailing Ms Truss in polls of party members.

The announcement comes on the same day that Ms Truss and Mr Sunak prepare to face off in a Tory hustings in Scottish city Perth. The pair are likely to discuss their stance on Scottish independence.