STOURBRIDGE MP Margot James has confirmed she is supporting Home Secretary Theresa May’s bid to become the next Prime Minister.

Conservative MP Ms James proudly hosted a question and answer event at Stourbridge’s Chawn Hill Church which was attended by Ms May just the day before the EU Referendum – although at that event the Home Secretary was still very much supporting David Cameron to remain as Prime Minister, and she would not be drawn on whether she fancied the top job for herself.

However – today (Thursday June 30) she confirmed her candidacy in what looks to be a five-way race with Justice Secretary Michael Gove, MP Liam Fox, Minister Andrea Leadsom and Work and Pensions Secretary Stephen Crabb.

Ms James said: “I was delighted to attend the launch of Theresa May's campaign for the leadership this morning.

“Her performance demonstrated in every way why she is far and away the best candidate to succeed David Cameron as leader of the Conservative Party.

“I have known Theresa for almost 15 years and have always had great respect for her integrity and for her judgement.

“Six years as Home Secretary has shown her to be a formidable negotiator who knows when to hold her ground but is committed to building the ongoing relationships and trust necessary to achieving a successful outcome.”

Meanwhile – Dudley South MP Mike Wood says he is backing Stephen Crabb.

He said: “He’s been in Parliament for 11 years and he’s got some fantastic campaign experience. He fought a safe Labour seat in South Wales, won it and turned it onto a safe Conservative seat.

“He’s from a working class background and I’ve done quite a bit of work with him on improving life chances whatever people’s backgrounds – which is a message that’s really relevant to us in the Black Country.”

The campaigning will now get underway in earnest and a new Prime Minister in expected to be in place by September 2.