Sunak 'backstabber' and Truss 'ignorant': What conservative members think of the leadership race

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Tory members vent their anger at Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss during an election campaign in Norwich as the vicious leadership race nears the dying line 'arrival

Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss are battling to become the next Conservative leader (

Image: via Reuters)

The long and bitter Conservative leadership race is entering its final stretch, with less than two weeks to go before the result is announced.

Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss are battling to persuade Conservative members that they have what it takes to become party leader – and prime minister – in September.

Ms Truss looks set to triumph after courting Tory activists with her tax cut package.

But the vicious nature of the competition risked tearing the party apart, and the winner will face an uphill battle to unite the warring conservative factions.

During the penultimate election campaign in Norwich, near Ms Truss' constituency in south-west Norfolk, Tory members appeared to favor the local candidate, with anger directed at Mr Sunak for his perceived betrayal of Boris Johnson.

Conservative favorite Liz Truss (

Picture:

AFP via Getty Images)

Brian Dolton voted for Ms. Truss and expressed skepticism of her opponent.

The 59-year-old engineer, who works in Ms Truss's constituency, said: "I don't trust Rishi. The way his campaign went from the start - everything was coordinated, everything was there.

"We always have respect for Boris in the party. Most members are unforgiving."

Her colleague Rob James hasn't voted yet but has said he's leaning towards Ms. Truss.

Mr. James, 54, said: "I feel like Liz is the one who is genuine. Sometimes I feel like Rishi is saying what people want to hear. I don't get that feeling about Liz. .