Sidmouth's MP backs candidate in Tory leadership race

East Devon MP Simon Jupp, whose constituency includes Sidmouth, is backing former chancellor Rishi Sunak in the Conservative leadership race to become the next prime minister.

Mr Sunak was chancellor of the exchequer in Boris Johnson's cabinet until he resigned on 5 July.

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

Simon Jupp MP, who also called for Johnson to resign on 6 July, said: "Rishi is the right person to lead the nation.

"He's serious about the South West and understands the opportunities ahead.

"I trust him to deliver a credible Conservative vision for the future which restores trust and rebuilds our economy."

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 is meeting today (Monday 11 July) to decide how the leadership race will go ahead.