South Northamptonshire MP Leadsom emerges as one of the favourites to be next PM

Andrea Leadsom (right) is among the frontrunners to be the next Prime Minister. Credit: PA

South Northamptonshire MP Andrea Leadsom has emerged as one of the early favourites to become the next Prime Minister.

David Cameron decided to resign following the UK's historic vote to leave the European Union overnight.

Leadsom at one of the TV debates in the lead up to the referendum. Credit: PA

Now, 53-year-old Leadsom has been installed as the fourth favourite with bookies to land the job with only Boris Johnson, Theresa May and Michael Gove ahead of her in the betting.

Odds for the next UK Prime Minister (courtesy of Paddy Power)

  • Boris Johnson - 4/5

  • Theresa May - 9/4

  • Michael Gove - 9/2

  • Andrea Leadsom - 10/1

  • Jeremy Corbyn - 16/1

  • Sajid Javid - 20/1

  • Priti Patel - 20/1

Leadom herself has yet to comment on the speculation, but did tweet earlier this morning that the decision to quit the EU was a "superb result" for the UK.

Speaking to ITV News, she had previously backed David Cameron to stay on - no matter what the outcome of the referendum was.

David Cameron resigned today. Credit: PA

Leadsom has also been strongly linked with the role of Chancellor in a Brexit government with George Osborne's position coming under close scrutiny.

Economist and Telegraph journalist Liam Halligan has added fuel to the fire by suggesting that Leadsom is firmly in the frame to take over - should Osborne go.

Priti Patel is a 20/1 shot. Credit: PA

Witham MP and leading Leave campaigner Priti Patel is another who features high in the betting for the new Prime Minister and is currently at 20/1.

Harlow's Robert Halfon is considered to be an outsider at 66/1.