Candidates vying to be Conservative Party leader - and the next PM - must secure nominations from at least 20 MPs by 18:00 BST to enter the contest.
Home Secretary Priti Patel thanks supporters but says she has decided not to stand in the race to replace Boris Johnson.
Meanwhile, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has pulled out and endorsed former chancellor Rishi Sunak, along with Deputy PM Dominic Raab.
Speaking at his campaign launch, Sunak pledged to cut taxes only when inflation is under control, in contrast to rivals.
Meanwhile, Johnson loyalists Jacob Rees-Mogg and Nadine Dorries have backed Liz Truss.
Ten candidates are competing to replace Johnson; Nadhim Zahawi, Sunak, Penny Mordaunt and Tugendhat are all said to have secured the necessary nominations.
Conservative MPs will begin voting on Wednesday, with the final two candidates selected before the end of next week. The winner will be announced on 5 September.
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