SALISBURY MP John Glen is backing Rishi Sunak as he closes in on the Conservative party membership – and Number 10.

After the withdrawal of Boris Johnson, Mr Sunak is in pole position to take over as prime minister following the resignation of Liz Truss last week.

John Glen, the Conservative MP for Salisbury, was an early backer for the former chancellor and on Friday (October 21), said: “I have been resolute in my commitment to support Rishi Sunak since I reluctantly resigned from the government on July 6.

“This country faces unprecedented economic challenges. We need a prime minister who fully grasps the multi-dimensional complexity of the issues and can fix them with intelligence, care, and clear resolve.”

On Boris Johnson, Mr Glen wrote: “I recognise the many qualities of Boris Johnson as a communicator and as someone who led us to a historic general election victory nearly three years ago.

“His success with vaccines and leadership on Ukraine will never be forgotten.

“The world is now a very different place, post-Covid. This election is not about who has the most engaging or amusing personality. We need to restore confidence in the Conservative Party’s reputation for economic competence while putting first the interests of the most vulnerable.

“Boris Johnson was removed for a reason. Those issues have not changed and we must look forward, not back.”

Elsewhere, Simon Hoare, Tory MP for North Dorset, is also backing Mr Sunak, along with fellow Conservative MP Chris Loder, for West Dorset.

He wrote on Saturday: “This week, West Dorset people have made it clear to me that political and economical stability is the most important priority for me as their MP in my decision for the next Conservative leader.

“It is clear to me that the person best placed to do this is Rishi Sunak, and I am very pleased to support him with my vote on Monday.”

The race is now between Mr Sunak and Leader of the House of Commons, Penny Mordaunt, who over the weekend was struggling to reach the target of 100 nominations to progress in the contest.

However, it remains unclear whether she will pick up the necessary votes to progress and take the vote to the party members.

Elsewhere, Mid Dorset and North Poole MP, Michael Tomlinson, is backing Rishi Sunak, as well as Poole representative, Sir Robert Syms.

Sir Christopher Chope, the MP for Christchurch, was previously backing Mr Johnson, and it is unclear where his vote will now go. The same applies for South Dorset MP, Richard Drax.