Helston: MP backs candidate in Tory leadership race

West Cornwall MP Derek Thomas, is backing Penny Mordaunt in the Conservative leadership race to become the next prime minister.

Boris Johnson resigned on 7 July as Conservative leader amid mounting pressure. He will step down as PM when a new leader replaces him.

Derek Thomas, who also called for Johnson to resign on 6 July, said: "To my mind, the candidate who exemplifies these qualities is Penny Mordaunt, and I have publicly pledged my support for her.

"Penny has been hardworking and effective in Government, and I believe she can bring the country together as our next Prime Minister.

"I'll be looking at your answers more closely over the coming days, so I can tell Penny what the priorities of the people of West Cornwall are."

Eleven candidates have now put their names forward.

They are:

1. Rishi Sunak
2. Grant Shapps
3. Liz Truss
4. Tom Tugendhat
5. Nadhim Zahawi
6. Rehman Chishti
7. Jeremy Hunt
8. Sajid Javid
9. Penny Mordaunt
10. Kemi Badenoch
11. Suella Braverman

The Conservatives' 1922 Committee met yesterday (Monday 11th July) to decide how the leadership race will go ahead.