FOLLOWING his announcement last week that he was considering standing for the leadership of the Conservative Party, John Baron MP has decided not to join the race.

Instead, he is endorsing Penny Mordaunt.

Mr Baron said: "I would like to thank Parliamentary colleagues, party members and friends for their encouragement to stand for the leadership. However, the decision yesterday of the 1922 Committee to substantially increase the required threshold to 20 makes it very difficult to achieve for backbenchers.

"The next leader must be able to unite the party, and in my view Penny Mordaunt is the best-placed candidate to do this.

"She has lots of experience at the highest levels of government, along with a sensible approach to lowering taxes. She is also sound on increasing defence spending and is a Royal Naval Reservist.

"I look forward to supporting her campaign."