Jenrick accuses ministers of complicity in an “institutional cover-up” of the costs of mass migration

He and Ms Badenoch are neck and neck in the final stretch of the leadership race, despite bookies placing her as favourite.

During a frantic tour of constituencies this weekend, Mr Jenrick suggested he has the momentum in the contest and is winning over members with the kind of political ideas he says Ms Badenoch lacks.

The clearest division between the two competitors, which are both from the right of the partyit is in their approach to policy making. Mr Jenrick offers specific plans, such as leaving the European Convention on Human Rights, and Ms Badenoch says she wants to survey MPs and party members before deciding what the party’s policies should be.

Some commentators have suggested that Ms Badenoch is presenting members with little more than “vibe”, although the latest polls suggest it is a winning strategy.

Too close to call

Members of the Conservative Party have until October 31 to cast their votes for Mr Jenrick or Ms Badenoch before the result is announced on 2nd November.

Mr Jenrick says the response to hunting events up and down the country suggests the contest is too close to call.

He told The Telegraph: “I think it’s neck and neck. We are getting very positive feedback from members across the country. People want a plan today rather than the promise of one tomorrow.”

Mr Jenrick, who is attending 14 separate membership events around the country this weekend, said the number of ballots cast so far has been low, suggesting many members have yet to vote and he believes he has the momentum in the race.

He admits that Mrs. Badenoch seems to be more popular than he is in London, but he thinks she wins in the provinces.