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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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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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