BORIS Johnson would make an "inspirational - if worrying - leader", a Wiltshire MP has said.

Appearing to the back the former foreign secretary for the Conservative Party's top job, North Wiltshire MP James Gray said the country now needed a Brexiteer in Number 10.

Writing to his constituents, Mr Gray said: "Boris is streets ahead in the country. He has his risks and downsides, but he has got bags of charisma and character and he would be an inspirational, if worrying, leader.

"Dominic Raab is probably next, but seems to me rather to lack that invisible stardust which a new leader needs.

"Esther McVey, Andrea Leadsom, Penny Mordaunt - all are possible."

Addressing Theresa May's resignation announcement on the steps of Downing Street on Friday, Mr Gray added: "It would be hypocritical to say anything other than I am glad at Theresa May’s decision.

"I have been of the view for a very long time that she was finding it impossible to lead the country, not least through Brexit.

"Her going will, I hope, free up a new leader to do exactly that - lead, which has been lacking from her incumbency."

Mrs May said on Friday she would remain as Conservative Party leader until June 7, but would stay on as prime minister until a replacement could be found.

In an emotional statement in Downing Street, she said it was in the "best interests of the country" for a new prime minister to lead efforts to deliver Brexit.