Esther McVey will stand in Tory leadership contest

Former Cabinet minister Esther McVey announced that she will stand for the Conservative leadership when there is a contest.

Ms McVey, who quit as work and pensions secretary in November in protest at Theresa May's Brexit deal, told TalkRadio:

The Tatton MP said the Conservative Party needed a leader who "believes in Brexit", and had "belief in the opportunities" it could bring.

Ms McVey said that Mrs May's departure should be handled in a "dignified and graceful" way.