Energy Minister Andrea Leadsom has quit the race to become the next Tory leader and Prime Minister.

In a speech this morning, she said she did not have sufficient support from MPs to lead a “strong and stable government”.

Ms Leadsom, a Brexit supporter, added Theresa May was ideally placed to deliver Britain’s withdrawal from the EU following the referendum last month and promised her “my full support”.

She went on: “Business needs certainty. A strong and unified government must move quickly to set out what an independent United Kingdom’s framework for business looks like. It is also essential that current EU workers in the UK and the businesses that employ them know where they stand.

“The interest of our country are best served by the immediate appointment and well supported Prime Minister.

“I am therefore withdrawing from the leadership election and I wish Theresa May the very greatest success. I assure her of my full support.”