Portsmouth North’s Penny Mordaunt wins backing of Ukrainian MPs in bid to become new Tory leader

Ten MPs from three different parties – some of whom met her on a recent visit to London – are supporting her bid to succeed Boris Johnson, her campaign team said.

In a statement released by the campaign, Lesia Vasylenko of the Holos (Voice) Party said: ‘In the last six months, the UK has proven to be not just a strategic partner for Ukraine but a true friend.

‘The next Conservative leader will need to be 110 per cent dedicated to Ukraine’s victory and with it the victory of democracy.

‘Penny Mordaunt was the first minister I have met, back in March, and she struck me with her determination to have Ukraine win at all cost.

‘This is exactly the kind of uncompromising stance we in Ukraine require from our partners today.’

Vasyl Virastyuk, of Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky’s Servant of the People party, said: ‘Penny Mordaunt has repeatedly expressed her support for Ukraine and stated that ‘Russia must lose the war’.

‘She herself sheltered Ukrainian refugees at home.

‘I am sure that this is the prime minister who will become a new great friend of Ukraine.’

Penny said: ‘I am humbled to have been endorsed by my brave colleagues from Kyiv, their fight against Putin and his invaders is our fight too.

‘Putin must fail. Under my leadership, Britain will ensure he does. I will stand with President Zelensky and ensure Britain remains their strongest ally.’

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The News ran a joint campaign collecting military kit for Ukraine alongside Penny earlier this year.

Alexander Senkevich, who is the first citizen of the strategic port city of Mykolaiv, thanked the people of Portsmouth for helping provide body armour, helmets and other tactical gear to Ukrainian forces.

Supported by The News, Penny set up a donation point for the supplies at the Lakeside business park, in North Harbour.

After being sent to Ukraine, the kit was used to help reinforce soldiers in the surrounded city of Mykolaiv, which had come under renewed missile and rocket attacks from Russian forces.