HAMPSHIRE MP Penny Mordaunt is among the favourites to replace Theresa May as Prime Minister if she loses a vote of confidence - according to bookies.

The Portsmouth North MP is 12/1 on to take the role, should Mrs May depart, say William Hill.

The betting firm give Ms Mordaunt, a Royal Navy reservist who is currently the International Development Secretary, the same chances as the likes of arch-Brexiter Jacob Rees-Mogg.

But Ms Mordaunt is behind front runners, including favourite Boris Johnson (4/1) and Dominic Rabb (5/1).

Also ahead of Mordaunt are Sajid Javid (11/2) and Michael Gove (13/2).

Earlier today, Ms Mordaunt backed current Prime Minster Theresa May via Twitter.

She said: The Prime Minister has my full support, not least because she has always done what she firmly believes is in the national interest.

"Our country needs us all to fight for a good deal and prepare for a no deal scenario.

"All eyes and hands should be on that task."