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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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Andrea Leadsom launches Conservative leadership bid

Andrea Leadsom outside 10 Downing Street. Credit: Reuters

Andrea Leadsom has announced she is running for the Conservative Party leadership.

On Thursday morning, she tweeted: "Let's make the most of the Brexit opportunities!"

She earlier commented the Brexit result was a "huge opportunity for our great country".

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