The Rutland and Melton MP Alicia Kearns has backed Penny Mordaunt to be the next Prime Minister in the wake of the resignation of Boris Johnson last week.

Since January 2022, Alicia Kearns has been vocal about her failing confidence in Boris Johnson, stating last week that: "It is evident that the Party has no confidence in him, just as he has not held mine since January."

About Penny Mordaunt, Alicia Kearns said: "I'm for Penny: for her integrity, love of country and because service is in her blood.

"She would unite our Party and our great nation with her genuine honesty, detailed plan, experience and sense of duty - giving us all peace of mind."

Meanwhile, Paralympian Jonnie Peacock has requested that he be removed from Penny Mordaunt's campaign video after it was released on Twitter.

Peacock said: "I officially request to be removed from this video... anything but blue please."

Many, including TV presenter Sue Perkins, Tweeted their shock that his permission had not been requested when the video was made.

Peackock's request garnered over 3x the 'likes' of Penny Mordaunt's initial Tweet announcing her entry into the leadership contest

However, Penny Mordaunt has had support from the Fair Fuel UK campaign group, and has said: "I will introduce an immediate 50% cut in VAT on fuel, reducing filling up the average family car by £10 per fill."

With rising living and fuel costs, this promise will certainly appeal to the voters, but will it be enough of a pull to encourage the Conservative support needed for Penny Mordaunt and Alicia Kearns to see success?

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