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In just over a week we will know the next Leader of the Opposition.

But until then, Robert Jenrick and Kemi Badenoch are still working hard to become the next leader of the Conservative Party.

Of the two, Mr Jenrick has been more outspoken at public events and when talking to the media – but it appears the button has not changed significantly.

In a recent survey of Conservative Party members by the website ConservativeHome, Ms Badenoch had a lead of 55% to 31% – with the rest uncertain.

But Mr Jenrick continued to insist today that he is still in the running.

When told that the race was all but over, he said: “Absolutely not. This is a neck-and-neck race, it’s a survey and not an opinion poll.”

He added: “There is everything to fight for, and I will definitely move across the country, as I have done all summer.

‘And I think my message resonates with members and with the public: we must learn our lessons, we must have strong and clear policies now, not the vague promise of tomorrow, unite the party and take on Labor . as soon as possible.”

Mr Jenrick was speaking at the Henry Jackson Society, a foreign affairs think tank.

His speech made clear his hawkish views on China, Iran and Russia, and his desire to increase British defense spending using the foreign aid budget.