Who is in the running to be the next Conservative leader?

Credit: PA

The deadline to become the next Conservative leader closed at midday on Thursday.

But who are the candidates for the role?

  • Theresa May

The current Home Secretary is a quiet Remain backer and seen as a steady hand to calm the party.

On standing for the leadership, Theresa May said she provides a "strong, proven leadership to negotiate the best possible terms with the European Union".

She believes she can "provide leadership that can unite the party and country" and offer a "bold new vision that doesn't work for the privileged few but for every one of us".

On Thursday she said there would be no general election until 2020, no emergency Brexit budget and no change - in the near future - in trading agreements with the European Union.

Theresa May is supported by Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt, who said she "is the right choice to lead Britain in a challenging period and will make a truly outstanding Prime Minister."

Her campaign will be run by Chris Grayling and is seen by many as the favorite to replace David Cameron.

  • Michael Gove

Michael Gove and Boris Johnson holding a joint press conference on Brexit. Credit: PA

The Justice Secretary was at Boris Johnson's side for much of the Leave campaign and surprised many by stating that he did not believe Mr Johnson can "provide the leadership or build the team for the task ahead".

Less than three hours later, Mr Johnson quit the leadership contest.

Mr Gove has a key ally in Nicky Morgan, who said he 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."

Michael Gove was education secretary from 2010 until 2014.

He faced serious criticism from teachers during his four year in the role, with the National Union of Teachers unanimously passing a vote of no confidence in him.

  • Andrea Leadsom

Andrea Leadsom (r) came to prominence during the TV referendum debates alongside Boris Johnson. Credit: PA

Andrea Leadsom is the current Energy Minister and spent 25-years in banking before becoming an MP in 2010.

She became well-known for her high-profile pro-Brexit stance during the TV election debates, where she campaigned alongside Boris Johnson.

Ms Leadsom confirmed her intention to run for leadership on Thursday morning, and tweeted:

  • Stephen Crabb

Stephen Crabb spoke at the RSA in London as he launched his leadership campaign. Credit: PA

The Work and Pensions Secretary was the first candidate to put himself forward to become the next leader of the Conservatives.

He is hugely popular in the party and comes from the same background that could appeal to many voters.

Mr Crabb voted to keep Britain in the EU last week and has ruled out another referendum - he said the country and the party must unite to negotiate the best deal for a post-Brexit Britain.

The former Welsh secretary says the party should be led by someone "who understands the enormity of the situation we're in and who has got a clear plan to deliver on the expectations of the 17 million people who voted to come out last week."

  • Liam Fox

Liam Fox launched his leadership campaign at Millbank Tower, London. Credit: PA

The former Defence Secretary was unsuccessful when vying with David Cameron for the leadership of the party in 2005.

Mr Fox resigned from his post in 2011 after being found guilty of breaching the ministerial code over his links with self-styled advisor Adam Werritty.

He is an outspoken supporter of Britain leaving the European Union.