MP: Do not assume Johnson is 'darling' of Tory activists

The Tory party should not be pressured into picking a Brexit campaigner to replace David Cameron, Conservative MP Sir Alan Duncan has said.

Former mayor of London and key player during the Vote Leave campaign, Boris Johnson, is seen as a clear favourite but Sir Alan cast doubt on his credentials to become prime minister.

The pro-EU MP said he would "probably not" back Mr Johnson and suggested his popularity was shallow.

"Do not necessarily assume that he is the darling of the Conservative Party activists.

"A lot of them have loved the notoriety and the excitement. But actually, once you scratch the surface a little bit and ask the second question, a lot of them don't want a permanent ride on the big dipper."

Sir Alan also dismissed the prospects of George Osborne succeeding Mr Cameron, saying the Chancellor was "much weakened" by his part in the referendum campaign.

"I feel very sorry for him personally. If I were to stick my neck out I think it's going to be very difficult for him to stand on the back of this."

"I would have supported him in different circumstances had he done so," he added.