Colchester MP Will Quince backs Rishi Sunak in PM leadership race

Speaking exclusively to the Gazette, Mr Quince praised Mr Sunak's "record of strong leadership". 

As MPs cast their votes in the first ballot, a poll from Conservative Home had Penny Mordaunt as the current frontrunner, with Saffron Walden MP Kemi Badenoch just behind.

• READ MORE: Essex MPs set to vote on Conservative leader and Prime Minister

But former Chancellor Rishi Sunak has the most declared public endorsements from MPs so far.

Mr Quince said: “I will be voting for my friend and colleague Rishi Sunak.

“As a party we are lucky to have such a strong field of candidates standing.

“Out of this group, Rishi’s record of strong leadership, competence and delivery during difficult times means I believe he is the right person to lead our country in facing up to today’s challenges and seizing tomorrow’s opportunities.”

Leadership contenders Rishi Sunak, Kemi Badenoch and Suella Braverman

Mr Quince, who resigned from Boris Johnson's Government last week, had worked as Minister for Children and Families in the Department of Education. 

But he returned to the department just a day after handing in his resignation, telling the Gazette it was his "duty" to do so.  

• READ MORE: MP Will Quince says it's his 'duty' to return to Government

“The Prime Minister made the right decision, he is standing down and we will have a new Prime Minister in a few weeks,” said Mr Quince.

“In the meantime we need stability and people with experience in Government and [accepting this new role] was not an easy decision for me.

“But until we get a new Prime Minister, the important work of Government and the Department for Education has to continue.

“I have a duty, in fact, I believe it is in the public interest I return and work every day to improve the life chances of vulnerable and disadvantaged children.”

Mr Quince has returned to the Education department as Minister for School Standards.

He said: "I'm particularly thrilled to retain responsibility for special educational needs and disabilities, given my previous experience and work on the SEND [special educational needs or disability] review.

"I will continue overseeing our green paper proposals and look forward to meeting with many more families and young people."