NEW Tory MP for Rochford and Southend East James Duddridge has pledged his support for David Davis in the approaching Conservative leadership contest.

As one of the "new boys" in the House of Commons, his vote has already been courted by the prospective candidates for the post.

Mr Duddridge said: "I think he will be an excellent leader for the party and is someone who will be a great Prime Minister."

As a staunch Eurosceptic, Mr Duddridge said he could not support the candidature of Ken Clarke, which officially declared this week.

He said: "I could not be entirely happy with Ken because of his views on Europe in the past."

On David Davis, Mr Duddridge said: "He is like Margaret Thatcher. You get what you see and you either like him or you don't."