Swell of support from Hampshire MPs for Theresa May as next PM

TORY MPs in Hampshire have declared their allegiance to home secretary Theresa May, backing her as the nation's next leader.
1/4/2015 (MOL)  The UK Home Secretary Theresa May help Flick Drummond with some canvassing on Wednesday in Exeter Road, Southsea.   Pictured is: (l-r) The UK Home Secretary Theresa May with Flick Drummond during canvassing.  Picture: Sarah Standing (150677-5647) PPP-150104-1916100011/4/2015 (MOL)  The UK Home Secretary Theresa May help Flick Drummond with some canvassing on Wednesday in Exeter Road, Southsea.   Pictured is: (l-r) The UK Home Secretary Theresa May with Flick Drummond during canvassing.  Picture: Sarah Standing (150677-5647) PPP-150104-191610001
1/4/2015 (MOL) The UK Home Secretary Theresa May help Flick Drummond with some canvassing on Wednesday in Exeter Road, Southsea. Pictured is: (l-r) The UK Home Secretary Theresa May with Flick Drummond during canvassing. Picture: Sarah Standing (150677-5647) PPP-150104-191610001

In a statement this morning, Flick Drummond said Mrs May would be the perfect candidate to succeed outgoing PM. David Cameron.

The Tory MP argued that Mrs May’s vast political experience would help in ‘unifying the country’ at a time of ‘enormous uncertainty’.

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While Havant MP Alan Mak said Mrs May was a ‘proven leader’ and offered ‘reassurance’ for the nation.

It comes as top Tory MPs today revealed whether or not they would be standing for the role of PM.

Frontrunners for the job include Mrs May and former mayor of London, Boris Johnson.

Other MPs who have thrown their hat in the ring to become the future prime minister also include justice minister Michael Gove, the former defence secretary Liam Fox and the self-styled ‘underdog’, work and pensions secretary Stephen Crabb.

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Speaking of why she is backing the home secretary’s bid, Mrs Drummond said: ‘These are unprecedented times and it will be important that the country will be reunited behind these efforts.

‘Therefore, I believe we need a unifying leader that can appeal, as much as possible, to both sides of the referendum debate while acknowledging its outcome.

‘From being shadow secretary of state for education and employment, work and pensions, shadow leader of the House of Commons – she is now the UK’s longest serving home secretary in modern politics.

Theresa May has been responsible for the security policy of our nation during a period of significant terrorist threat.

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‘She has shaped Britain’s response to rising terrorist attacks across Europe and understands the need to balance human rights with counter-terrorism.

‘I believe that Theresa May has the qualities needed to be a safe pair of hands, leading Britain through what is going to be a tough few years.’

‘She’s a proven leader’

Mr Mak said. ‘Theresa May is an experienced, proven leader who will unite the country, and make Britain a more socially mobile society. She is the longest serving Home Secretary for over 100 years and offers reassuring strong leadership during challenging times for the country.”

‘As home secretary she has managed a large government department, served at the highest levels of Cabinet, and understands the country’s economic and national security needs.

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‘I share Theresa’s vision that Britain should work for everyone, and we should all have the opportunity to succeed, regardless of background. I came into politics to help build Britain’s opportunity society, and Theresa May can lead that work as our next prime minister.’

Mrs May launched her campaign today with a speech at the Royal United Services Institute on Whitehall in Westminster.

She vowed to put herself and her party at the service of the country in a ‘mission to make Britain a country that works for everyone’.

She said the country needs strong, proven leadership to steer it through a period of economic and political uncertainty, and to negotiate the best possible terms as we leave the European Union.

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Mrs May also said her leadership would unite the party and our country.

‘With the Labour Party tearing itself to pieces, and divisive nationalists in Scotland and Wales, it is the patriotic duty of the Conservative Party to unite and govern in the best interests of the whole country,’ she said.