WELLINGTON and Wiveliscombe MP Rebecca Pow is backing former Chancellor Rishi Sunak as the country’s next Prime Minister.

She said: “He has integrity, Conservative values, is straight talking, has a proven track record, a plan, and understands the importance of our rural areas and a sustainable environment.”

Ms Pow was among 43 MPs said to have declared for Mr Sunak ahead of the closure deadline for nominations for leader of the Conservative Party following Boris Johnson’s resignation last week.

Leadership candidates will need at least 20 supporters to be included on the ballot paper.

MPs will then hold a series of votes during this week, and possibly next week, to reduce the list to two names who will be put to the vote among paid-up Conservative Party members throughout the country.

The new Prime Minister will then be named ahead of Parliament returning from its summer recess in September.

Ms Pow last week resigned her Government post as Environment Minister as news broke of Mr Johnson stepping down.