DAGGERS are being drawn across the Conservative party as the contenders for leader declared their intentions.

The party was accused of backstabbing as first Michael Gove declared his intention to run to succeed David Cameron as Prime Minister and then Boris Johnson dropped out of the race yesterday.

Home Secretary Theresa May is gaining the most support from Sussex's Tory MPs.

Kemptown MP Simon Kirby said: "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 & Peacehaven."

Mid Sussex MP Nicholas Soames had previously endorsed Boris Johnson supported by Michael Gove - but announced his change of heart after Gove declared his intention to stand and Johnson stepped down.

Sir Nicholas tweeted: "In view of events I will vote for home secretary."

Wealden MP Nusrat Ghani MP also added her support for Mrs May.

She said: "I am supporting Theresa May as leader of the Conservatives and our next Prime Minister, for strong leadership in these historic times."

After taking a low-key role as a supporter of Remain in the EU referendum, Mrs May made clear she will not attempt to back away from last week's vote to leave the EU, saying "Brexit means Brexit".

But she said she would not kick off the two-year process of negotiating withdrawal until the UK's strategy is agreed - probably not before the end of this year. And she said she would create a new Government department, headed by a cabinet-level minister who had campaigned for Leave, to oversee the UK's departure from the EU.

Maria Caulfield had already declared her support for Stephen Crabb.

Worthing west MP Peter Bottomly said he would continue to listen to what each of the candidates and his friends and constituents had to say before making a final decision.

But he repeated that he was a firm believer that "underdog" contenders - such as Winston Churchill and David Cameron - often made the best Prime Ministers.

"Given the list I think I would be most likely to go for Stephen Crabb."

The leadership divisions plaguing Labour and the Conservatives sparked mockery.

Former first minister of Scotland Alex Salmond said: "Can we have a week-long debate on political backstabbing?

Gove backtracked on previous claims that 'I don't want to be prime minister. I know that I couldn't do it'.

As education secretary, Mr Gove won admirers and detractors in equal measure - not least for his expansion of the academy network.

But announcing his decision to stand yesterday he said: "If we are to make the most of the opportunities ahead we need a bold break with the past."

Former defence secretary Liam Fox said the vote for Brexit had"ushered in a new dawn for our country" as he set out his bid.

Brexit-backer, Dr Fox, said: "I do not believe there is room for membership of the single market if it entails free movement of people."

Work and Pensions Secretary Stephen Crabb is hugely popular in the Conservative parliamentary party and said it should be lead by someone ''who understands the enormity of the situation we're in and who has got a clear plan to deliver on the expectations of the 17 million people who voted to come out last week''.