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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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Tory leadership contenders confirmed by 1922 Committee

The Conservative Party leadership candidates. Credit: PA

The Conservative Party have confirmed Theresa May, Michael Gove, Stephen Crabb, Liam Fox and Andrea Leadsom will contend the leadership of the party.

The chairman of the 1922 Committee, Graham Brady, confirmed the list of nominees after Boris Johnson announced his decision to stand down from a leadership bid.

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