West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin will be backing Penny Mordaunt following the resignation of Liz Truss as Prime Minister. 

Mrs Baldwin made the announcement on social media last night, hours after Ms Truss confirmed she would be stepping down as leader of the Conservative Party.

Earlier in the day, Mrs Baldwin had indicated her eyes were set firmly on a general election in 2024 and she has now said that Ms Mordaunt, currently leader of the House of Commons, is best suited to winning that for their party.

She said: "I thought it in July and I still think it now.

"To win a majority in 2024 we need a unifying candidate who can win against Labour and that person is Penny Mordaunt."

Mrs Baldwin added: “The Conservative Party is now electing a new leader and I feel it is essential that the winning candidate appeals to both a vast majority of MPs and can earn the confidence of the country.

“I supported Penny Mordaunt in the last leadership election and, while she is taking soundings about whether to run. If she does, she will have my support.

“She was most impressive as the first female Defence Secretary and anyone who saw her during the Accession Council or when she speaks at the dispatch box in the House of Commons knows how calm and commanding she can be.

“I believe she has the qualities of compassion and sound judgement needed to be a great leader and a great Prime Minister.”

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Mrs Baldwin had supported Ms Mordaunt during the previous leadership race earlier this year.

Ms Mordaunt was eliminated in the fifth round of voting and then backed the eventual winner, Ms Truss.

Speaking at the time, Mrs Baldwin said: "Lots of talented colleagues are standing to be Conservative leader.

"I’m endorsing the UK’s first and only female defence secretary, navy reservist, fab performer at the despatch box and author of 'Greater' - Penny Mordaunt."