Sleaford MP backs Theresa May to be next Prime Minister

MP for Sleaford Stephen Phillips has spoken in favour of Theresa May's bid in the leadership contest to become the next Prime Minister and Leader of the Conservative Party.
Stephen Phillips MP. EMN-140714-175833001Stephen Phillips MP. EMN-140714-175833001
Stephen Phillips MP. EMN-140714-175833001

Sleaford and North Hykeham MP Stephen Phillips publicly announced his support on Thursday evening for Home Secretary Theresa May to become the next leader of the Conservative Party and the Prime Minister.

Mr Phillips and Ms May spoke on Tuesday ahead of the launch today (Friday) by the Home Secretary of her campaign for the leadership of the Conservative Party, following the indication by David Cameron that he would be standing down in view of the result of last week’s referendum.

Following that meeting, Mr Phillips consulted with constituents and local Conservative activists in Sleaford and North Hykeham, before indicating to Ms May at lunchtime on Thursday that she could count on his “full and unequivocal support” in her bid for the premiership.

Theresa May. EMN-160107-111030001Theresa May. EMN-160107-111030001
Theresa May. EMN-160107-111030001

In a private meeting on Thursday afternoon, Ms May thanked Mr Phillips for his support.

Mr Phillips said: “Having consulted widely, it is very clear to me that there is only one candidate who has the vision, the raw intelligence, the capacity for hard work and the experience to take over as Prime Minister.

“Like me, Theresa comes from an ordinary background and, like me, she believes that the Conservative Party has a historic mission to unite and serve all of our country: a One Nation Party which governs for the many.”

He said: “The position is so clear that I hope that the other candidates who have put themselves forward will now consider whether or not it is in the interests of the Conservative Party and of the country we all serve to continue with a leadership election. My very clear view is that it is not. At this time, the country needs strong leadership from a proven leader with a steady firm hand to unite us all. Theresa May is that person.”

Other candidates that have declared to be running for Leader are: Michael Gove, Stephen Crabb, Liam Fox and Andrea Leadsom.