Why do more and more Tory MPs keep joining the race for leader?

Politics Explained: Contest to succeed Theresa May now boasts 12 candidates, but some are just standing to boost their profiles

The Conservative leadership race is now so contested that you could field an entire cricket team from the candidates.

Mark Harper’s entry into the contest on Thursday took the total number of candidates to 12 – significantly more than in previous contests.

The field could grow further still, with Penny Mordaunt, the defence secretary, and Steve Baker, the former Brexit minister, still considering whether to join.