Theresa May becomes Prime Minister: Midland Tories back new leader to handle Brexit
Midland Tory MPs have given Theresa May their backing as the new Prime Minister, saying she was the right person to handle Britain's exit from the EU.
She will take over from David Cameron on Wednesday after Andrea Leadsom dramatically quit the Tory leadership contest.
Mrs Leadsom announced her decision to leave the race after saying she did not believe she had sufficient support to lead a 'strong and stable government'.
The announcement came within an hour of Mrs May officially launching her leadership bid at a speech in Birmingham.
Mrs May's campaign manager, South Staffordshire MP Gavin Williamson, said Mrs Leadsom's announcement had come as 'something of a shock' as he prepared for a nine-week battle for the keys to Number 10.
"We were all set to take our message across the country," he said.
"Yesterday's event in the West Midlands was the start of what we expected to be a lengthy campaign to convince everyone that Theresa is the right person to lead the country.
"Obviously things have quickly moved in a different direction."
Meanwhile Lichfield MP Michael Fabricant said he was 'convinced' that Mrs May would have the ability to 'face up' to other leaders in crucial discussions over Britain's exit from the EU.
Mr Fabricant, who had previously supported Michael Gove as leader said: "My reservation about Andrea Leadsom was that she didn't have the experience, not only to talk to journalists, but also to stand eyeball to eyeball with the likes of Angela Merkel."
Another of Mrs Leadsom's backers, Halesowen & Rowley Regis MP James Morris MP, said: "I am disappointed that Andrea Leadsom has stepped aside, however I can understand and agree with the reasons why.
"Now is the time to ensure that we unite, move on and make sure the country gets the government it needs, and I support Theresa May.
"There is no going back on Brexit, and I will be working on behalf of my constituents to ensure that we get on with it."
