Conservative MPs voted last night to terminate Iain Duncan Smith's leadership of the Conservative Party.

Just 777 days after assuming the helm, Duncan Smith lost his confidence vote by 75 votes to 90.

Speaking on the steps of Central Office, Duncan Smith conceded defeat and pledged his loyalty to his successor.

"We've had a lot of words over the last few days," he said. "This is not a time for many more."

"The parliamentary party has spoken - and I will stand down as leader when a successor has been chosen. I will give that new leader my absolute loyalty and support. I will not publicly choose between the candidates in the coming election."

Duncan Smith's defeat came after a day of media interviews and a final appeal to his backbenchers in an address to the 1922 Committee.

However, it was not enough, and the former army officer and self confessed "quiet man" will soon return to the backbenches and political obscurity.