July 1, 2016 11.32 am This story is over 91 months old

Lincolnshire MP publicly backs Theresa May to be new Conservative leader

Sleaford and North Hykeham MP Stephen Phillips has publicly supported Theresa May’s bid to become the next leader of the Conservative Party and Prime Minister. The MP spoke with May ahead of her campaign launch on Thursday, June 30, where he said that she could count on his full and unequivocal support. Following her announcement,…

Sleaford and North Hykeham MP Stephen Phillips has publicly supported Theresa May’s bid to become the next leader of the Conservative Party and Prime Minister.

The MP spoke with May ahead of her campaign launch on Thursday, June 30, where he said that she could count on his full and unequivocal support.

Following her announcement, the Home Secretary thanked Phillips during a private meeting between the two.

Home Secretary Theresa May with Lincoln MP Karl McCartney in 2015. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Home Secretary Theresa May with Lincoln MP Karl McCartney in 2015. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Phillips, who has been MP for Sleaford and North Hykeham since 2010, said: “Having consulted widely, it is very clear to me that there is only one candidate who has the vision, the raw intelligence, the capacity for hard work and the experience to take over as Prime Minister.

“Like me, Theresa comes from an ordinary background and, like me, she believes that the Conservative Party has a historic mission to unite and serve all of our country: a One Nation Party which governs for the many.

“The position is so clear that I hope that the other candidates who have put themselves forward will now consider whether or not it is in the interests of the Conservative Party and of the country we all serve to continue with a leadership election.

“My very clear view is that it is not. At this time, the country needs strong leadership from a proven leader with a steady firm hand to unite us all.

“Theresa May is that person.”

Nick Boles, Conservative MP for Grantham and Stamford. Photo: Policy Exchange

Nick Boles, Conservative MP for Grantham and Stamford. Photo: Policy Exchange

The announcement comes after Skills Minister Nick Boles, who is MP for Grantham and Stamford, revealed that he will be chairing Michael Gove’s campaign to become the next leader of the Conservative Party.

Lincoln MP Karl McCartney has written a column outlining what he expects as a backbencher from the next Conservative leader.

Lincolnshire MPs Matt Warman (Boston and Skegness) and Sir Edward Leigh (Gainsborough) have both confirmed that they are yet to make up their mind on who they will support.

Other Lincolnshire Conservative MPs Victoria Atkins (Louth and Horncastle) and John Hayes (South Holland and The Deepings) have not made any comment so far on the leadership race.