Following the announcement by our Prime Minister, Theresa May that she will stand down as leader of the party on 7 June, many of you have contacted me with your thoughts on the leadership elections.
I am deeply saddened to see the Prime Minister step down from the job she loved. She is an extremely courageous and dedicated public servant who has devoted her life to work for the Conservatives, as an activist, a councillor, and MP, serving on our front bench in opposition and then as the longest serving Home Secretary. I am full of admiration and respect for her sense of duty and unwavering commitment to public service.
Nominations for the leadership are invited by the Chair of the 1922 Committee who acts as Returning Officer for all stages of the election. These nominations will take place once the Prime Minister officially steps down and will close the week of 10 June. As it seems likely that many nominations will be received, a ballot will then be held within the Parliamentary Party to select the final two candidates. The final vote will be put to all members of the Conservative Party and not just MPs.
I have not declared for any candidate yet and will decide which candidate to support based on their plan for the future of the country. I will support only candidates who, like me, are determined to honour the referendum result and leave the EU as soon as possible. Leaving the EU is essential and I am determined to see us deliver on that but I will also consider their vision for our future. I want to know their plans for the domestic agenda, foreign policy, commitment to our United Kingdom and policies that appeal to a wide number of voters.