James Cleverly’s leadership bid gets major boost as top Tory Mel Stride backs him 

JAMES Cleverly’s leadership bid has got a massive boost tonight as Tory heavyweight Mel Stride threw his weight behind him.

Mr Stride, who was booted out of the race last month, had stayed tight-lipped on his pick, keeping rival camps on edge. 

But the former Cabinet Minister finally broke cover, dubbing former Home Secretary Mr Cleverly the leader we need to “take the fight to Labour” and “make sure we are ready to win”.