SOLIHULL MP Julian Knight has thrown his support Theresa May in her bid to become the new leader of the Conservative Party.
Pledging his support for the current Home Secretary, Julian said her six years worth of experience in the Home Office – what he believes is one of the most difficult Government roles – will prepare her well to lead the country post-Brexit.
Commenting on his decision, Mr Knight said: “Theresa May has held the toughest job in Government for the past six years, and is recognised as having done outstandingly well.
“This is a time for calm heads and steady nerves, and I feel confident that Mrs May is the best candidate for this difficult job.”
Mr Knight went on to argue Ms May is the best person to unite the Conservative Party in the fallout of the divisive EU Referendum, through her ability to appeal to a ‘broad range of opinion’ in the party and the country.
He added: “When making my decision I asked myself a very simple question: who did I want to be sat opposition Chancellor Angela Merkel, negotiating for the best interests of the UK?
“The conclusion was obvious.”
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.
