Northampton MPs snub Leadsom in Tory leadership race

David Mackintosh and Michael Ellis are both backing Theresa May for the Conservative leadership race, though their Northants colleague Andrea leadsom is also in the running.

Both Michael Ellis and David Mackintosh have instead pledged their support for Home Secretary Theresa May to the next Prime Minister.

MP for Northampton North Mr Ellis, who is an aide of the Home Secretary, said the decision was for him a simple one.

He said: “I’m in support of Theresa May and I have been from the start.

“I’ve been her Parliamentary Private Secretary for the past year.

“She’s a first class candidate for leader of the Conservative Party and Prime Minister of this country.

“She’s inspirational for women including those wanting to get into politics.

“She has a proven track record in delivering everything she was asked to do in Government.

“I think she can be a unifying candidate who is passionate about social justice.

“What Northampton needs is what the country needs. Further improvements in equality and bringing out the aspirational qualities we have.

“There’s always more you can do about poverty and that’s another one of the things she is passionate about.”

David Mackintosh said the country needs a “proven leader,” despite saying he has “tremendous respect” for Mrs Leadsom.

He said: “I have known Theresa for over ten years and know she is phenomenally hard working with a strong record of delivering as Home Secretary and she will make an excellent Prime Minister.

“I was surprised that Boris Johnson announced he was not standing for leader, but I think this is a good step forward for bringing the party and the country together.

“Andrea Leadsom is a good friend and colleague of mine who has performed very well in Government and is a hard-working diligent MP for South Northamptonshire. But whilst I respect her enormously, I have decided to back Theresa May in the leadership contest.”