Tory leader Duncan Smith loses vote

Party leader Iain Duncan Smith tonight lost a confidence vote by Tory MPs by 75 votes to 90.

Nominations opened immediately for a new leadership contest, Sir Michael Spicer, the chairman of the backbench 1922 committee said.

Mr Duncan Smith said he would stand down as leader when his successor is chosen.

The nominations will close on Thursday November 6. The first ballot will be held on November 11, Sir Michael said.