MP Priti Patel has backed Theresa May in the Conservative Party Leadership contest.

Priti Patel campaigned hard to get Britain out of the EU last month but says Theresa May who campaigned against the vote would be the best Prime Minister for Britain.

She said today, "Our nation is at a crossroads in its history and implementing the will of the British people means that complex decisions will need to be taken. "It is therefore vital that our next Prime Minister is tried and tested with experience of making tough decisions and can lead a united team that will secure Britain’s future.

"I have always believed that Britain would be stronger, more prosperous and secure outside of the EU.

"I stayed true to what I have always believed in with principle and conviction. From all discussions with Theresa on the future of our country, I believe that her experience in tough negotiations, her determination to get the best deal for the UK, and her commitment to reduce immigration - in a fair way - make her the obvious choice.

"That is why I believe that Theresa May is the only candidate best placed to deliver and there no other candidate who comes anywhere close to her experience, or record of strong leadership.

"She shares the steely determination I always admired in Margaret Thatcher, and she has the experience and trust needed to succeed for this great nation of ours.

"I will back Theresa to be my Prime Minister and Party Leader in whatever capacity.

"Equally important will be the need to unite our party and our country. We must end the tribalism and divisions seen in the Referendum between leave and remain and focus on defining our place in the world and putting core Conservative principles and values into action.

"Like me, Theresa’s involvement in the Conservative Party started at the grassroots.

"I have an enormous respect for her record. She has shown herself to be dedicated to our country and to our Party. Under Theresa’s leadership, the motives of the Conservative Party will never be in any doubt."