LATEST: Boris Johnson has declared himself out of the running to succeed David Cameron as Prime Minister

Theresa May, Michael Gove, Stephen Crabb, Liam Fox and Andrea Leadsom have been confirmed as the official Tory leadership contenders by the chairman of the 1922 Committee, Graham Brady.

Kemptown MP Simon Kirby has pledged to support Theresa May.

He said: "I am supporting Theresa May in her battle to become the next Tory leader after David Cameron's resignation last week.

"I believe that Theresa May is the strongest candidate to become Prime Minister in these difficult times. She is a highly competent politician and has visited me in Brighton Kemptown in the past and seen what a special place our constituency is. We need someone with her experience to unite and lead us.

Please be assured that I will continue to do my very best to be a loud voice for local people in Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven."

Michael Gove also announced he will seek the Tory leadership after concluding Boris Johnson "cannot provide the leadership or build the team for the task ahead".

Mrs May, the Home Secretary was hot favourite to make it onto the ballot in the final run-off vote in which Conservative members will choose their new leader and the new occupant of 10 Downing Street.

Potential canditates had until midday today to announce their intention to stand.