Theresa May demands a ‘proper’ leadership contest

British home secretary Theresa May has demanded a “proper contest” for the Conservative leadership, as polling suggests she is racing towards victory.

The frontrunner to replace prime minister David Cameron dismissed suggestions that one candidate should be given a clear run if they receive overwhelming support from Tory MPs in the early rounds of voting.

Ms May said that she was not taking “anything for granted”, adding there is a need for the arguments to be heard by Tory members.