MERIDEN MP, Caroline Spelman, has come out in support of Theresa May for the position of new leader of the Conservative Party.
Publically declaring her support for the current Home Secretary’s bid to become the new leader, Ms Spelman described her as a ‘long-standing friend and ally’ since the pair were both elected to Parliament in 1997.
Explaining her support for Theresa May, Ms Spelman said: “She like me has held the office of party chairman and helped the party to move with the times and return us to government.
“She has my great respect for the way she has succeeded with a very difficult brief at the Home Office.
“Moreover, having started her career in Local Government she will understand very well how decisions made in Whitehall affect local communities.”
Ms Spelman went on to argue Theresa May had the ability to unite the country in the fallout of the divisive EU Referendum and described her as a ‘safe pair of hands in challenging times.’
She added: “As a female MP I would be proud to see another woman at the helm.”
The Conservative party leadership contest follows current Prime Minister David Cameron’s public resignation in the hours after it was confirmed Britain had voted to leave the EU.
Other Conservative MPs vying for the job of next party leader include Justice Secretary and vocal ‘Leave’ campaigner, Michael Gove; Work and Pensions Secretary, Stephen Crabb; Energy Minister, Andrea Leadsom; and former cabinet minister, Liam Fox.
The former Mayor of London Boris Johnson was expected to run for the position, but said he would not be running in a shock announcement.
Tory MPs will now whittle the candidates down to two, before wider Conservative Party members are invited to vote for their favourite.
The next leader is expected to be announced in early September.
