Richmond MP and former chancellor Rishi Sunak has confirmed he is in the running to become Prime Minister.
Mr Sunak, who lost out to Liz Truss in the previous Conservative Party leadership race, announced on Sunday that he is putting himself forward to succeed Ms Truss.
Mr Sunak pledged to lead the UK with “integrity, professionalism and accountability” should he be chosen by the Conservative Party to move into 10 Downing Street.
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He joins Penny Mourdaunt in the leadership contest. Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson is widely tipped to run too and returned from a holiday in the Caribbean following Ms Truss's departure.
Mr Sunak said in a statement: “I served as your chancellor, helping to steer our economy through the toughest of times.
“The challenges we face now are even greater.
“But the opportunities, if we make the right choice, are phenomenal.
“I have the track record of delivery, a clear plan to fix the biggest problems we face and I will deliver on the promise of the 2019 manifesto.
“There will be integrity, professionalism and accountability at every level of the government I lead and I will work day in and day out to get the job done.”
In the North East, Hexham's Tory MP is among those backing Mr Sunak.
Guy Opperman tweeted: "I remain of the view that Rishi Sunak is the right person to be our Prime Minister. He is a serious person for serious times.
"He was right about the economy during the summer: we need his leadership to get us back on track."
Berwick MP Anne-Marie Trevalyan is among the Conservatives backing Mr Johnson.
She posted on Twitter: "I have worked closely with Boris Johnson for many years. He can continue to deliver for the country and already has a mandate. It’s time to #bringbackboris.
Jacob Rees-Mogg confirmed Mr Johnson intends to run, told the BBC’s Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme: “I have been speaking to Boris Johnson, and clearly he’s going to stand, there’s a great deal of support for him.”
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