BORDERS MP John Lamont has made the case for Penny Mordaunt to replace Liz Truss as Prime Minister, arguing she would bring together the “strongest” Government.

He said: "I believe Penny has the skills in terms of taking on Labour, taking on the SNP putting forward a fresh mandate, fresh ideas and crucially bringing all talent into her Cabinet. 

"She's been very very clear I think during the last contest that she would run a very inclusive Cabinet bringing people in from all parts of the party and all talents. 

"I think that's what the parliamentary party wants and that's what the country expects.

He tweeted: “I’m backing @PennyMordaunt to stand because she would bring together the strongest government with the best and brightest talents from across the Conservative party”.

 

 

Ms Mordaunt is not currently working on a leadership bid, though the Cabinet minister is “taking soundings” from colleagues on the prospect of her standing to replace Liz Truss, an ally said.

A source close to the Commons Leader and former contender for the top job said:  “It’s a testament to Penny’s campaign over the summer how many colleagues have already come out asking her to stand.

“At the moment there isn’t a campaign but Penny has always been the candidate that can unite the party, deliver and beat Labour.

“At the moment she’s been taking soundings from her colleagues and has been busy speaking to as many as she can.”

Meanwhile Business Secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg has become the first Cabinet backer of Boris Johnson while former home secretary Suella Braverman said she will make a statement “in due course” 

Rishi Sunak did not answer questions from reporters as he left his home this  morning. However several Tories have come out in support of him

Candidates to replace Liz Truss as Tory leader will need at least 100 nominations from Conservative MPs, 1922 Committee chair Sir Graham Brady has said.

This will rule out a number of candidates from running, and means the maximum number of people able to stand is three.

During the last leadership election, Rishi Sunak won 137 nominations, Ms Truss 113 and Penny Mordaunt 105.

Nominations are open from now and will close at 2pm on Monday - with a new leader to be chosen by the end of the week.

Scotland’s First Minister however joined Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer in calling for an election.

She tweeted: “There are no words to describe this utter shambles adequately. It’s beyond hyperbole – & parody. Reality tho is that ordinary people are paying the price.

“The interests of the Tory party should concern no-one right now.A general election is now a democratic imperative.”

SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford also pushed for an election, saying “people will accept nothing less”.