Theresa is a long standing friend and ally. We entered parliament together in 1997.
She like me has held the office of party chairman and helped the party to move with the times and return us to government. She has my great respect for the way she has succeeded with a very difficult brief at the Home Office. Moreover, having started her career in Local Government she will understand very well how decisions made in Whitehall affect local communities.
I believe she has the ability to unite the country and she is a safe pair of hands in challenging times. As a female MP I would be proud to see another woman at the helm.