MID Essex MPs have announced their public support for Rishi Sunak in the Conservative leadership race.

Both Braintree MP James Cleverly and Witham MP Priti Patel have thrown their support to the former Chancellor of the Exchequer.

It comes following the announcement from former PM Boris Johnson that he will not be standing for the role.

Both Ms Patel and Mr Cleverly had previously backed Mr Johnson to retake on the role he gave up in July.

This morning, both MPs have now said they will be supporting Mr Sunak in his bid to formally become the Prime Minister.

Ms Patel said: “In these difficult times for our country, we must unite by putting public service first and work together.

“We care about our country and with the enormous challenges upon us, we must put political differences aside to give Rishi Sunak the best chance of succeeding.”

Mr Cleverly added: “We face great challenges at home and abroad. I said we needed experience at the top of Government and I stand by that.

"The candidate with the most experience is clearly Rishi Sunak. He can count on my full support as our PM and I will be voting for him.”

Mr Sunak previously lost to former-PM Liz Truss in his bid to become PM but is now the favourite to take the mantle after Ms Truss’ resignation on Thursday.

An announcement on the next Prime Minister is expected today, Monday, October 24.