Boris Johnson (front L) arrives at the BBC to take part in the Conservative Party leadership BBC television debate in London, Britain, on June 18, 2019. Boris Johnson stayed in the race to become Britain's prime minister on Tuesday, but one of his six rival contenders was eliminated when the results of the second secret ballot were announced at Westminster. (Xinhua/Alberto Pezzali)
LONDON, June 18 (Xinhua) -- Boris Johnson stayed in the race to become Britain's prime minister on Tuesday, but one of his six rival contenders was eliminated when the results of the second secret ballot were announced at Westminster.
The former foreign secretary won the support of 126 of the 313 Conservative MPs in the latest round of voting, 12 more than what he gained in the first round.
Also through to the next rounds of voting Wednesday and Thursday are Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, with 46 votes, Environment Secretary Michael Gove with 41 votes, and International Development Secretary Rory Stewart with 37 votes, and Home Secretary Sajid Javid with 33.
Eliminated was former Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab who came last with 30 votes.
The knock-outs will continue until there are just two contenders, and their names will go to a ballot of the 160,000 grassroots Conservative Party members who will choose who they want as their new leader to succeed Theresa May.
The leader of the Conservative Party will automatically become prime minister, though Queen Elizabeth has to approve the choice. The winner is expected to be decided before the end of July. Until then May is staying on as prime minister.
