Voting has now closed in the Tory leadership contest, bringing to an end the contest to decide the next Conservative leader and Boris Johnson’s successor as prime minister.
Either Liz Truss or Rishi Sunak will be announced as the winner on Monday, taking over as prime minister the following day.
Conservative Party chairman Andrew Stephenson, marking the closure of voting in the Tory leadership race, paid tribute to the two candidates and party members.
The party said that nearly 20,000 members attended the hustings and a total of 2.2 million people viewed a husting online.
Voting has now closed in the Tory leadership contest, bringing to an end the contest to decide the next Conservative leader and Boris Johnson’s successor as prime minister.
PA
Mr Stephenson said: “This hustings programme has shown the strength of our party across the UK, with sold-out events filling Wembley Arena to Perth Concert Hall.
“I’d like to thank Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss for participating in what, at times, must have been a gruelling schedule in good spirits and giving our members the opportunity to question them up front and personal, answering over six hundred questions and putting themselves under the spotlight.
“During my tour of 80 seats across the country, I have found our members in good voice and ready to take the fight to Labour and the Lib Dems, and win that historic fifth term at the next general election.
“Whatever the result come Monday, I know our party is ready to unite around a new leader and tackle the challenges we face as a country ahead.
Rishi Sunak said he had been “humbled” to meet Conservative activists throughout the summer in a final message an hour before polls close in the Tory leadership contest.
In a statement, he said: “I have been humbled to meet so many thousands of our brilliant members and activists over the past six weeks.
“This is a critical election for our country and for the future of the Conservative Party, as we eye a historic fifth term in government.
“We face huge challenges ahead, but also huge opportunities. I know what it takes to get through challenging times. I did it as chancellor and I will do it again as prime minister.”
Boris Johnson’s successor will be announced on Monday, taking over as prime minister the following day.
Chris Radburn
Liz Truss said: “It has been fantastic meeting and speaking to thousands of members across the whole of the UK over the last six weeks.
“Our members make our party great and I would like to thank all the volunteers who have helped along the way.
“I believe in a brighter and better future for Britain. I have a bold plan that will grow our economy and deliver higher wages, more security for families and world-class public services.
“I’ll do this by cutting taxes, pushing through supply-side reform and slashing red tape that is holding businesses back.
“If I am elected prime minister, I will never let anyone talk us down and I will do everything in my power to make sure our great nation succeeds.”