THE CONSERVATIVE MP for Rugby is backing Tom Tugendhat to be the next party leader and Prime Minister.
Mark Pawsey says he is supporting his fellow backbencher due to his ‘leadership skills’ and ‘compassion’.
He said: “In my 12 years in Parliament, I have often sat on the green benches and listened to great speeches from my colleagues.
“One who always speaks with authority, knowledge and understanding is Tom Tugendhat, who I will be supporting in the forthcoming Conservative Party leadership election.
“Tom’s background as an Army Officer has provided him with the leadership skills to take on the toughest task in our politics, and his compassion enables him to understand and empathise with people across the country who are currently facing serious challenges.
“I know that he will take on the duties expected of him with integrity, bringing together and leading an effective team to take our great country forward.”
Mr Tugendhat, the MP for the constituency of Tonbridge in Kent, is a former Territorial Army officer who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.
He has pledged to cut National Insurance and fuel duty, and to increase investment outside of the south-east.
He is among eight Tory MPs standing for the party leadership, including former Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt, Minister of State Penny Mordaunt, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi, and former Chancellor Rishi Sunak – the current favourite according to betting odds.
Candidates will have to secure the backing of 20 Tory MPs. A series of votes will then be held until two candidates remain, who will then be subject to a ballot of the wider Conservative Party membership to select the winner.
The new Prime Minister is expected to be announced by September 5.
