I will be an honest leader, vows Rishi Sunak as he confirms his candidacy for the 10th post

TJerez Villiers backs Rishi Sunak’s leadership Christopher Hope can reveal.

Ms Villiers, a staunch Brexiteer who refused to work under Theresa May, is the latest in a line of supporters of Mr Sunak from the right of the party, including Cammy Badenach, Lord Frost and Steve Baker.

“To move our country forward, we need a prime minister with the ability, experience and character to tackle the big challenges we face. Rishi Sunak is the best candidate for the job,” Ms Villiers said.

“That is why I will nominate him to be the next leader of the Conservative Party. A global economic crisis is coming and we need to move away from the political turbulence of the last two months.

“We have to make this choice right. Rishi has steered our economy through very difficult times, including the pandemic. His track record and sound judgment should bring confidence to voters, businesses and markets.”