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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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I switched EU stance after facts changed: Leadsom

Andrea Leadsom, one of the Conservative candidates running to be the next prime minister, said she switched her stance on the EU in response to a change in the facts.

The MP - who previously supported the UK remaining in the bloc - said she reconsidered after David Cameron failed to secure major changes in his efforts to renegotiate the relationship.

When the facts change you change your mind. It's very clear to me we have a fabulous future outside the EU.

It was at the point when the prime minister came back with his renegotiation that I thought right this is not the right thing for us.

– Andrea Leadsom

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Stephen Crabb: 'Big push' needed for Brexit success

Mr Crabb has his hat in the ring for the Tory leadership Credit: PA

Stephen Crabb has called the Brexit vote to leave the EU a "new chance", but warned a "big national push" would be needed.

In an interview with The Times, the Remain campaigner who has thrown his hat in the ring for the Tory leadership, said the "out" vote would be implemented, but it was important to first establish the "overriding principles" that would guide negotiations.

He said "it is essential" the party showed "real substantial change on immigration" as part of that process.

Economically of course full access to the single market is a good thing ... but if we got to the end of a negotiated exit and immigration policy was essentially the same as it was now, we would have issues of trust with the electorate that would lead to huge problems.

– Stephen Crabb, Tory leadership candidate

Theresa May 'out in front' in Tory leadership contest

As the Tory leadership contest hots up, Theresa May appears to be in the lead.

ITV News understands the home secretary can so far count on the backing of at least 82 Conservative MPs, putting her quite a way ahead of her rivals.

ITV News Deputy Political Editor Chris Ship reports.

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