A Kent MP has claimed that whoever wins the Conservative leadership contest will be taking on a poisoned chalice.

In a bleak assessment of the party’s situation, North Thanet MP Sir Roger Gale said: “Frankly whoever gets the job, it is a poisoned chalice.

"A mess has been bequeathed to whoever gets the job and they will have to clear it up.”

Liz Truss, who is fighting for the job against the former Chancellor Rishi Sunak, is in the county today to rally support for her campaign.

The veteran MP Sir Roger said that as a One Nation Tory, he was disappointed Penny Mordaunt had lost out and criticised the ‘aggressive’ nature of the campaign targeted at her by her rivals.

His comments underline the view among some that the campaign has caused some damage to the party.

But Sir Roger’s comments were downplayed by a Conservative county councillor, who said the change of leader was an opportunity for the party to make a fresh start.

Cllr Rory Love, who represents Folkestone, told KMTV’s “Paul On Politics” show: “We have been through a process with some candidates having some fantastic ideas.

"We have a fresh opportunity and are down to two candidates who will set the direction of travel.

"I think we have had a refreshing, energetic and reinvigorating democratic campaign.

"Just because it has been robust does not mean it has been unpleasant.”