Newton Abbot MP Anne Marie Morris, whose constituency includes Dawlish, is backing backbencher Tom Tugendhat in the Conservative leadership race to become the next prime minister.

The race comes after Boris Johnson resigned on 7 July as Conservative leader amid mounting pressure. He will step down as PM when a new leader replaces him.

Mr Tugendhat was once an officer in the British Army reserves and served in Iraq and Afghanistan. He has been MP for Tonbridge and Malling since 2015.

Anne Marie Morris MP, who welcomed Johnson's resignation, said: "My priority - getting Britain back at its best.

"Tom Tugendhat has strong leadership skills, the integrity to inspire trust and confidence, and will deliver policies based on fundamental Conservative principles."

The Newton Abbot MP added that she thought Mr Tugendhat was 'the best candidate to take this country forwards'.

Eleven candidates have now put their names forward.

They are:

1. Rishi Sunak
2. Grant Shapps
3. Liz Truss
4. Tom Tugendhat
5. Nadhim Zahawi
6. Rehman Chishti
7. Jeremy Hunt
8. Sajid Javid
9. Penny Mordaunt
10. Kemi Badenoch
11. Suella Braverman

The Conservatives' 1922 Committee is meeting today (Monday 11 July) to decide how the leadership race will go ahead.