Tory leadership race: Early favourite among region's MPs as nominations deadline looms
With the race to be the next Prime Minister well and truly under way, MPs in the region have been nailing their colours to the mast.
Eleven candidates have so far entered the contest - which was reduced to 10 on Tuesday morning when Grant Shapps withdrew - with each needing to have the support of at least 20 MPs by 6pm tonight in order to make it through to tomorrow's first round ballot.
The 1922 Committee – which is running the election – has announced he number of hopefuls will be whittled down to two by July 21.
Here is who your MPs are backing and why:
Lichfield MP Michael Fabricant – Penny Mordaunt
He said: “She has shown herself to be a competent Government minister with a firm grasp of detail as well as being a highly skilled performer in the House of Commons chamber.”
Stafford MP Theo Clark – Penny Mordaunt
Ms Clarke said: “I believe in her positive vision for Great Britain based on integrity and decency."
West Bromwich East MP Nicola Richards – Penny Mordaunt
She said: “Penny has the unique ability to resonate with ‘red wall’ voters, as well as those from other parts of our great country. I have every faith as Prime Minister she will lead with integrity and make a success of the opportunities we have in this parliament and beyond. I am proud to support Penny, because I know she has the knowledge, skills and charisma to unite the party, as well as the country and get us back on track.”
Walsall North MP Eddie Hughes – Kemi Badenoch
He said the Saffron Walden MP had a “straight talking approach” that would “appeal to traditional Conservative voters as well as former Labour voters who lent us their vote in 2019”. “I’m proud to be supporting Kemi Badenoch,” he added.
Cannock Chase MP Amanda Milling – Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi
She said: “Nadhim Zahawi spearheaded the roll out of a coronavirus vaccine that was the envy of the world. As a fellow Midlands MP, I trust in his proven record of delivery. I would like to see him stand to be our next leader.”
West Bromwich West MP Shaun Bailey – Priti Patel (not yet a confirmed candidate)
He said: “Her strong values, resilience and commitment to deliver in my view make her the ideal candidate to beat Labour and deliver for my communities across Wednesbury, Oldbury and Tipton. That’s why I’m backing Priti.”
Dudley South MP Mike Wood – Sajid Javid
He said: “Sajid Javid has the combination of experience, ability, judgment and integrity – as well as the plan to strengthen the economy and cut taxes – that we need.
“He is up to the challenges that Britain and the world faces, and would make a great leader and PM.”
Aldridge-Brownhills MP Wendy Morton – Liz Truss
She said: “Having worked closely with Liz Truss, it’s clear to me she’s the only candidate that can ensure we beat Labour at the next election.
“She’s got a clear vision for our country and the economy and an unrivalled track record across government.”
A number of other MPs have yet to publicly declare who they are supporting.
South Staffordshire MP Sir Gavin Williamson – Rishi Sunak
He said: "I think he is the candidate who can very much deliver on the agenda and the manifesto commitments that we made in 2019."
Dudley North MP Marco Longhi – Kemi Badenoch
He said: "We have some excellent candidates but Kemi is the one who also brings with her an exciting offer of hope and real change, just as Boris did. She is a Brexiteer and I have committed my loyalty to her."
Others have told the Express & Star they are undecided. They include James Morris (Halesowen & Rowley Regis), Sir Bill Cash (Stone), Mark Garnier (Wyre Forest) and Jane Stevenson (Wolverhampton North East).
Stourbridge MP Suzanne Webb and Wolverhampton South West MP Stuart Anderson are Government whips, so have to remain neutral.
