It has become clear just how divided our nation is - between young and old, north and south and those with different education and work backgrounds. So it is clear to me that the next leader of the Conservative Party must be someone who can unite the country.

It has become clear just how divided our nation is - between young and old, north and south and those with different education and work backgrounds. So it is clear to me that the next leader of the Conservative Party must be someone who can unite the country.

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

What is good is the fact that we've got a broad selection of candidates [for Prime Minister]... to choose from, representing a diverse set of backgrounds, a diverse set of perspectives.

There is definitely a mood in the party for making sure that two cabinet heavyweights we have got, who come from different traditions, different sides of the EU referendum campaign, Theresa May and Michael Gove - it would be right to put them to the party in the country.

I have concluded unequivocally that the right person is Michael Gove and I am delighted to be endorsing his candidacy.

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.