The member of parliament for North Wiltshire has revealed he is backing Andrea Leadsom for the Conservative Party Leadership race. 

James Gray announced his support for the South Northamptonshire MP today (July 4) noting that she was an "excellent performer" for the Vote Leave campaign during the referendum. 

In a statement James Gray said: “I have given careful thought to the various candidates who were offering themselves for the leadership of the Conservative Party and our country, and have decided to offer my support to Andrea Leadsom.

“Andrea was, of course, a leading advocate of Vote Leave and an excellent performer in the referendum campaign, and has the business experience to be able to deliver the best deal for the people of Britain.

“I worked with Andrea on the Fresh Start project a few years ago, and know of her unwavering commitment to renegotiating Britain’s entire relationship with the EU.”

“She is a serious and level-headed candidate with a solid understanding of economics, and would, in my view, be the best person to be the next Prime Minister.”

The leadership race is the first in the Tory party for 11 years and the new leader will be announced on Friday, September 9 after party members across the country cast their votes for the remaining 2 candidates.