Shotley peninsula MP James Cartlidge is voting for Rishi Sunak to become the latest prime minister voted for by Conservatives.

Mr Cartlidge, who worked for Mr Sunak tweeted his support for the former chancellor saying he believed the candidate who has an ever increasing number of supporters from across the party, will be someone who can handle the economic challenge brought on by Liz Truss' disastrous 44 day tenure.

National polls show the majority of voters in the UK would prefer a General Election to allow the people to vote for a new prime minister.

Meanwhile, the third candidate Penny Mourdant was this afternoon reported as ruling out a request by Mr Hohson to back him in the Conservative leader election.

Mr Cartridge, who previously supported Mr Johnson, voted with the government earlier in the week against a motion to discuss the Tory plans to allow fracking, including in south Suffolk.

James Cartlidge with former PM Liz Truss