North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson has announced he is quitting his position as Deputy Chairman of the Conservative Party. 

In a series of posts on Twitter he said he was quitting the role he took up in September last year so he could back Kemi Badenoch - one of the MPs vying to be the next Prime Minister

"I have taken the very difficult decision to resign as the Deputy Chairman of the Party so I can be free to support Kemi Badenoch to be our next PM," he said. 

He added: "Determined, honest, straight-talking - Kemi Badenoch presents a real opportunity for change with a new style of politics that focuses on people, not big Government.

"As a campaigner, focused on getting colleagues re-elected I know how the Westminster bubble is so detached from voters. Kemi Badenoch will smash through this disconnect and deliver on what ordinary people want. This is how we renew as a party and win the next General Election."