Priti Patel Knocked Out in First Round of Conservative Leadership Contest

Former interior minister Priti Patel was eliminated in the first round of the Conservative leadership contest, receiving the fewest votes among candidates. The race is now down to five contenders, with the next phase narrowing the field to four ahead of the Conservative Party conference and leadership decision on Nov. 2.

Priti Patel, a former interior minister, was eliminated in the first round of Britain's Conservative leadership contest on Wednesday. She received the fewest votes from Conservative members of parliament, garnering just 14 votes.

With Patel's elimination, the contest now moves forward with five remaining candidates. The field will be further narrowed next week to four.

These four candidates will present their cases at the Conservative Party conference, starting in late September, with the new leader set to be named on Nov. 2.

(With inputs from agencies.)