Fox: Remain MP would lack credibility as new leader

A Tory MP who backed the Remain campaign would find it "much harder" to have the "credibility" needed to become the party's new leader and prime minister, Dr Liam Fox has said.

The former Defence Secretary, who backed Leave, said it would not be "impossible" for a Remain campaigner to succeed David Cameron, but Leave campaigners have a "natural credibility".

Dr Fox is to stand as a candidate for the Conservative party leadership, with Stephen Crabb, Boris Johnson and Theresa May also in the running.

Speaking on ITV's Good Morning Britain, Dr Fox refused to say who he would back if he is not successful.

"I'm a very good friend of Stephen Crabb, I had great fun campaigning with Boris Johnson on the winning side, I had great experience working with Theresa May in government on national security. I respect all of them," he said.

"I think it's much harder for anybody who voted for remain to have the credibility amongst the voters who voted to leave in terms of leading the country. It's not impossible, but it's much harder. That's why I think for those of us who were on that Leave side there is a natural credibility with the voters."

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