Shailesh Vara to back Michael Gove in Tory leadership battle

Justice and Work & Pensions Minister, Shailesh Vara, said he would be supporting Mr Gove, who announced he was standing today.

Mr Vara said: “I have worked very closely with Michael Gove at the Ministry of Justice and have been very impressed with him.

“He is a man of conviction with a very sharp intellect. He cares passionately about Britain and I believe he has the necessary qualities to lead our negotiations with the EU.”

Peterborough MP Stewart Jackson said he would reveal who he would be supporting in the contest early next week.