The former health minister left the door open to another bid for the top job, saying he would “have to see what the conditions are and then make a decision” on whether to run. But a survey by ConservativeHome suggested Mr Hunt could face an uphill battle to secure victory, even if he were to make it down to the bottom two candidates when Tory MPs decide the winner. The survey asked grassroots members who they would vote for in various possible final two combinations – but Mr Hunt finished second to every hypothetical challenger. For example, in a contest with Liz Truss, Mr Hunt received 24 per cent of the vote, while the foreign secretary was supported by 59 per cent of respondents. It was a similar story against Rishi Sunak – 55 per cent to 20 per cent – and against Penny Mordaunt – 63 per cent to 18 per cent. Against Ben Wallace, Mr Hunt received just 14 per cent of the vote compared to 72 per cent for the Defense Secretary.
