East Hampshire provided the stage for the biggest event of the Conservative leadership race so far as the two contenders vying for the top job brought their campaigns to Churcher’s College.

Last weekend, in front of more than 300 Conservative party members, MPs Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick outlined their visions for the country before answering questions from the audience.

Petersfield branch chairman Paul Milner said: “Both candidates really brought their ‘A’ game to the evening. Their speeches were absorbing and they deftly answered some really tough questions.

“I came into the event leaning towards one candidate but by the end I had changed my vote.”

Also in attendance was East Hampshire MP Damian Hinds, who has confirmed he is backing Ms Badenoch. “We saw two exceptional candidates who have it in them to not just be strong leaders of the opposition, but potentially great prime ministers,” he said. 

The contest winner will be announced on November 2.