SALISBURY MP John Glen has revealed who will be backing to be the next Prime Minister.

After PM Boris Johnson announced he will be stepping down last week, prompted by more than 50 MPs resigning from ministerial roles, Mr Glen has thrown his support behind former chancellor of the exchequer Rishi Sunak to step up to the role.

READ MORE: 

Mr Sunak launched his campaign shortly after Mr Johnson informed the nation of his resignation last Thursday, July 7.

Mr Glen is supporting the #ReadyForRishi campaign as he feels the former chancellor has the “intellect, ability and integrity to lead reform and renewal across government”.

In a statement to the public, the Salisbury MP added: “[Mr Sunak’s] grasp of detail is without equal, and he is also a creative thinker, with a pragmatic approach to delivering the best possible outcomes following our decision to leave the EU.

“He is also someone who shares my values. He believes in a society where everyone is given the opportunity to succeed, and where the government is compassionate towards those in need.”

In an interview with the Journal last week, Mr Glen said “change needed to happen” within government to improve the country, and he looks forward to a new PM refocusing on areas including the economy and inflation.

He added his resignation from his economic secretary to the treasury position last Wednesday was “at the right time”.

“Representing a constituency in the north of England but having grown up in Southampton, means [Mr Sunak] is well placed to bring the country together and he has an instinctive understanding of the competing priorities across this great country,” Mr Glen added.

Referencing his friendship with former health secretary Sajid Javid, also running to be PM, Mr Glen said: “I would add that my personal affection and deep respect for my friend Sajid Javid remains undimmed, but I believe Rishi has the qualities needed to unite the party and the country at this time and I am proud to support him for the leadership.”

Get more Salisbury news. 

You can also like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date, as well as signing up for one of our newsletters.

If you want online news with fewer ads, unlimited access and reader rewards - plus a chance to support our local journalism - find out more about registering or a digital subscription.

Email newsdesk@salisburyjournal.co.uk with your comments, pictures, letters and news stories.