I have said before I think it would be really good to have a woman in the final two but that's a matter for the parliamentary party.

And it's a question of who the parliamentary party thinks is the right person to lead - not just in terms of the negotiations but also the wider 'one nation' agenda that we set out in our manifesto last year and that we were elected on.

I think this is what we must not lose sight of, present a confident, positive and optimistic platform for our country's future in which this Party appeals to the centre ground of British politics.

I didn't think I was the right person to do that job but I do think Michael Gove is and that's why I'm backing him.

Of course now we know that couldn't be further from the truth, that the subjects that keep young people's options open and unlock doors to all sorts of careers are the Stem subjects.

It is equally important that we now secure the right deal for Britain - and the next leader must have the skill and credibility to put together the right team to renegotiate our exit from and future relationship with Europe and explain the final terms to the British people.

I think honestly that Michael [Gove] came to this decision[Prime Minister candidate] very late, that he needed to step up.