Boris Johnson rules himself out of Tory leadership contest

Boris Johnson - Credit: PA

Boris Johnson has ruled himself out of the Tory leadership contest.

Speaking today, Johnson announced he will not stand in party’s election to take over as Prime Minister following David Cameron’s resignation.

The five candidates are Theresa May, Michael Gove, Stephen Crabb, Andrea Leadsom and Liam Fox.

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Johnson said: “Having consulted colleagues and in view of the circumstances in parliament I have concluded that person [to lead the country] cannot be me.

“My role will be to give every possible support to the next Conservative administration to make sure that we properly fulfil the mandate of the people that was delivered at the referendum and to champion the agenda I believe in.”

Johnson had been the favourite to succeed David Cameron as Prime Minister until Gove declared he would enter the campaign this morning.

Gove said: "I respect and admire all the candidates running for the leadership. In particular, I wanted to help build a team behind Boris Johnson so that a politician who argued for leaving the European Union could lead us to a better future.

"But I have come, reluctantly, to the conclusion that Boris cannot provide the leadership or build the team for the task ahead.”