NECK AND NECK
Rory Stewart’s tie removal trick leaves viewers baffled as Tory leadership debate dubbed ‘world’s worst boyband’
RORY Stewart's tie removal trick has left viewers baffled - as those battling to be the UK's next Prime Minister were dubbed the "world's worst boy band".
Tory leadership rivals clashed tonight on the live BBC debate over everything from Brexit to sheep - but won the most attention for their unusual postures.
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Rory Stewart displays relaxed body language during BBC Conservative Leadership Debate
Mr Stewart's sudden neckwear removal was heatedly discussed on social media as he thrashed it out with far-away favourite Boris Johnson.
Sajid Javid, Michael Gove and Jeremy Hunt were also in the hot seats as they were quizzed on policy by host Emily Maitlis and from individual residents live-streamed from across the UK.
'DELUDED'
Confounded Twitter users made their own interpretations of the meaning behind the vanishing tie.
Henry Mance joked: "Surely Rory Stewart can't kill all four of them with just his tie?"
While Nick Chapman, referencing Mr Stewart's controversial opium admission, chipped in: "Probably going to tie it around his arm ready to inject, he seems to have a problem sitting down".
SmellTheFlowers added: "Sat in a pub watching the #Leadersdebate what the hell is going on with @RoryStewartUK?
"If he thinks manspreading getting a tan putting a dye on his mop without a tie straddling a chair makes him PM material he's deluded #Clown".
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'WORST BOY BAND EVER'
Others were left in stitches by the high-seated stools set up, with Kristie Jane writing: "Worst boyband ever. Just waiting for the key change........
While Paul Brooke added: "This new boyband competition is very weak! at least West Life used to walk off, air grab and air push - I suppose Rory came close with his Stool Perch!!!"
Mr Stewart's positioning - his feet sometimes planted on the ground - also attracted as much astonishment as his much-discussed tie.
LEG WORK
Viewers were further baffled when he appeared to start stretching mid-show, at one point hanging his head down.
Oliver Barnes joked: "Rory Stewart doing a lil bit of pilates mid-show".
While Twitter user Peter added: "I swear Rory Stewart was taking up yoga half way through that".
Bemused Scott Bennett commented: "Look at Rory, stretching and flexing like he’s at his “Hot Yoga” sessions".
The five contenders for No10 repeatedly rowed and talked over each other in chaotic scenes in the course of the tense debate.
BoJo tried to avoid making any gaffes in an uncharacteristically low-key performance as his four remaining challengers tried to land blows on him in his first live TV appearance of the campaign.
While Mr Stewart has seen a huge surge in support in the past fortnight, he still lags far behind Tory darling Mr Johnson.
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The line-up for tonight's event was finalised just two hours before the start when party bosses announced the result of the second ballot of MPs.
Mr Johnson was again the big winner, topping the second ballot with 126 votes - nearly three times as many votes as runner-up Mr Hunt.
Environment secretary Mr Gove came third with 41 votes, followed by Mr Stewart who won over 37 MPs thanks to his insurgent campaign.
Home secretary Mr Javid just scraped over the minimum vote threshold needed to stay in the race while Mr Raab came last and was kicked out.
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Tomorrow the remaining five contenders face a third ballot of MPs where the weakest candidate will be eliminated.
The fourth round takes place on Thursday morning with a fifth and final ballot scheduled for Thursday afternoon.
By the end of the week just two rivals will be left - with Tory activists choosing which one should become party leader and PM in late July.
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