ROCHFORD and Southend East MP, James Duddridge, has announced he is supporting Boris Johnson to be the next Prime Minister.

Mr Duddridge, a strong Brexit supporter, declared his backing for the former London Mayor on Monday.

It comes ahead of Theresa May's decision to resign as Prime Minister on June 7. A series of hustings and votes by Conservative MPs will follow to select two candidates, from which Conservative Party members will choose.

James said: "Boris Johnson has a track record of winning. He has the leadership and ability to deliver a full Brexit that the people of Southend and Rochford east voted for in 2016.

"I believe he can reunite our country with a strong domestic agenda, enabling Britain to thrive outside of the European Union from October.

"That’s why I am supporting Boris to be our next Prime Minister.”