A SWINDON-born MP has been eliminated from the Conservative Party leadership race.

Mark Harper won the backing of 10 MPs in the first ballot of the contest to be named Tory leader. Andrea Leadsom and Esther McVey were also eliminated in the vote of Conservative MPs.

The Headlands School-educated Mr Harper said: “Thank you to all of the people who supported me: colleagues in Parliament and the many voters who I met along the way. 

“I continue to believe we need a credible plan that delivers Brexit, keeps our promises and then takes our country forwards.

“Only then can we restore trust with the British people and beat Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour Party at the next general election.”

Former foreign secretary Boris Johnson, backed by Swindon MPs Robert Buckland and Justin Tomlinson, topped the poll. He won the support of 114 MPs.

The next round of voting will take place on June 18, with contenders needing 33 votes to stay in the race.