MPs from across Hampshire have revealed who they will be supporting to be the next Prime Minister. 

As the timetable for the Conservative leadership race is revealed, the Echo has been speaking to the areas' MPs to find out how they will be voting in the contest. 

READ MORE: New prime minister to be announced on September 5

Eleven candidates in total have formally indicated their intention to run to become the next Prime Minister, including Hampshire MPs, Suella Braverman and Penny Mordaunt.

And already some have given their support to their South Coast colleagues. 

Daily Echo: Desmond Swayne.Desmond Swayne.

Desmond Swayne - New Forest West

The New Forest West MP said Attorney General, Mrs Braverman should be the next leader. 

"I am sorry that Boris Johnson’s premiership has ended in this way. He was a very gifted campaigner," he said.

"I had many policy differences with him, but he had my support. It was clear, however, that recent events robbed him of the support of his government colleagues.

"I will campaign for Suella Braverman, who has been an excellent Attorney General, and whom I believe will follow Mrs Thatcher as an outstanding female Prime Minister."

Daily Echo: Dr Julian Lewis. Dr Julian Lewis.

Dr Julian Lewis - New Forest East

Fellow New Forest MP, Dr Julian Lewis told the Echo he will also be backing the Fareham MP. 

"Suella combines strong Conservative values and readiness to fight for them with a mastery of detail and excellent communication skills," he said. 

"She was a brave Brexit 'Spartan' and has precisely those qualities of character and leadership which our country both needs and expects."

Daily Echo: Paul Holmes.Paul Holmes.

Paul Holmes - Eastleigh

Eastleigh's Paul Holmes however said he would back Foreign Affairs Committee chair, Tom Tugendhat.

He said: "I think he is the clean start this country needs and he offers a vision for the UK."

He added that Mr Tugendhat would connect with people across the political spectrum and the country. 

Daily Echo: Steve Brine. Steve Brine.

Steve Brine - Winchester

Winchester MP, Steve Brine vowed to back his former boss, Jeremy Hunt.

He told the BBC: “We need to turn the page, we need to do so quickly and that process has now started and I’m thrilled that we’ve got Jeremy Hunt in the race again...we need a leader who can win back the voters the conservatives have lost.”

Daily Echo: Royston Smith.Royston Smith.

Royston Smith - Southampton Itchen

Other MPs decided to keep their cards close to their chest with Southampton Itchen MP, Royston Smith telling the Echo: "Currently I am not backing any of the candidates.

"I am watching and listening to see how they are going to convince my constituents, many of whom voted for Boris Johnson, what they would differently and better.

"It looks to me so far that they are offering a similar program.

"Voting starts tomorrow, that will give an indication of who might become Prime Minister but not an outcome."

Daily Echo: Caroline Nokes. Caroline Nokes. (Image: Contributed)

Caroline Nokes - Romsey and Southampton North

Also not revealing her preferred candidate, Romsey and Southampton North MP, Caroline Nokes said: "There is a long way to go yet."

It comes after Ms Nokes called on Boris Johnson to resign following the party gate scandal. 

Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme, Mrs Nokes said: “I want to see the transition happen as swiftly as possible.

“I've consistently said I think Dominic Raab could have stepped up and stood in as prime minister in the intervening period.”

Daily Echo: Caroline Dinenage.Caroline Dinenage.

 

Caroline Dinenage - Gosport

Meanwhile, Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage has chosen to bacj neighbouring MP, Portsmouth North's Penny Mordaunt. 

Ms Dinenage told the Echo: "Delighted that Penny is doing so well in the  Conservative leadership contest.

"She is the leader our country needs with the principles, the vision and the strength to drive us forward.”

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.

Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.

You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.

Don't take my word for it - subscribe here to see for yourself.

Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by joining our Facebook group - Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents

Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated Facebook group - Hampshire Court and Crime News