Veteran North Thanet MP Sir Roger Gale has thrown his weight behind home secretary Theresa May in her bid to become Tory leader and prime minister.

Mrs May, who admits she is not a showy politician and backed remain in last week's referendum, announced her candidacy in central London claiming the country is crying out for strong leadership in a time of economic and political uncertainty.

Sir Roger was at the launch. He said: "For the first time in what has been a bad week I feel a real sense of hope where before there was despair.

"I have been involved in politics for more than 50 years and Mrs May's speech was one of the most powerful and impressive for its quiet dignity that I have ever heard.

"Earlier in the week I said that we now needed a leader with vision, courage and determination.

"I believe in Theresa May we have found someone who has emerged with the experience, skill and ability to reunite not just or even the Conservative Party but the whole country."

Mrs May insisted she would not back away from the UK's decision to leave the UK.