THE UK is set for its second female Prime Minister.

The latest round of voting in the Conservative party’s leadership election saw Michael Gove eliminated, with Theresa May and Andrea Leadsom the two remaining candidates.

Justice Secretary Mr Gove took just 46 votes in the second-round ballot at Westminster.

Home Secretary Mrs May remains in pole position with 199 votes – well over half of the 330 Conservative MPs – with energy minister Mrs Leadsom on 84.

The contest now goes to grassroots party members who will decide between the two candidates ahead of the party’s conference.

The postal ballot due to end on September 9.

Mrs May said: “I am delighted to have won so much support from my colleagues.This vote shows that the Conservative Party can come together – and under my leadership it will.

“I have said all along that this election needs to be a proper contest. And now it is time for me – and my team – to put my case to the Conservative Party membership.

“That case comes down to three things. Because we need strong, proven leadership to negotiate the best deal for Britain as we leave the European Union, to unite our party and our country, and to make Britain a country that works not for a privileged few but for every one of us.

“Those are the things my colleagues have voted for in overwhelming numbers today, and I am confident they will win the support of our members – and the support of the country as a whole.”

So the next PM will be a woman, the 2nd Tory woman in the job. UK Labour hasn't yet had a woman leader. Beckett & Harman were only acting.

— Lindsay Jane Razaq (@LJRazaq) July 7, 2016

Where they stand on key issues

Brexit Negotiations

Theresa May: Must be a “priority” to allow British companies to trade with the single market, but will seek action on free movement. Admits leaving the EU would not immediately stem the flow of migration from Europe. Will not guarantee that EU nationals already living in Britain can stay.

Andrea Leadsom: Wants to continue free trade with the EU but also control immigration. Backers have promised she will set out a “third way” to show how to achieve both. Has committed to allowing EU nationals already living in Britain to stay.

Economy

Theresa May: Will not order an emergency budget in response to Brexit. Has discussed reforming capitalism and called for a small but strong state. Will tackle “gross abuses of power” and address the gap between the generations.

Andrea Leadsom: Has promised “prosperity not austerity” and signalled that she will keep up the Leave campaign’s momentum to focus on boosting the prospects and incomes of so-called “left behind” voters – focusing tax cuts on the low-paid and “supercharging” the “northern powerhouse” project

Social Policy

Theresa May: Has promised a one nation Conservative “radical programme of social reform” to help those from “ordinary, working class” families. Will “cherish” the NHS. Voted for gay marriage.

Andrea Leadsom: Will appoint a key housing minister with a bigger budget who will be in post for the long-term. Abstained on gay marriage and said she “didn’t like” the legislation.