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Theresa May gains strong support from Conservative MPs

Theresa May has won the backing of four times as many MPs as any other candidate for the Conservative Party leadership, a survey by ITV News shows.

Of 139 MPs who have spoken to ITV News, 82 said they would be supporting the Home Secretary.

Earlier, Michael Gove declared himself "the candidate for change" as he set out his pitch to become Conservative leader and prime minister.

Gove said after last week's referendum vote for Brexit, the new prime minister must be someone who fought on the Leave side - effectively ruling out Mrs May, who was part of the Remain campaign, even though her contributions to it were notably low-key.

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Nicky Morgan backs Michael Gove as new Tory leader

Nicky Morgan has endorsed Michael Gove's campaign to become the new Tory leader. Credit: PA

Nicky Morgan has backed Michael Gove in the Tory leadership race.

Mr Gove made a surprise announcement on Thursday morning that he is putting himself forward to succeed David Cameron, saying he does not believe Boris Johnson can "provide the leadership or build the team for the task ahead".

In a statement, the Education Secretary said she has "concluded unequivocally" that Mr Gove has the "skill and credibility to put together the right team to renegotiate our exit from and future relationship with Europe, and explain the final terms to the British people."

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Theresa May gains strong support from Conservative MPs

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