Theresa Villiers is backing Rishi Sunak’s leadership run, Christopher Hope can reveal.

Ms Villiers, a staunch Brexiteer who refused to serve under Theresa May, is the latest in a string of endorsements for Mr Sunak on the Right of the party including Kemi Badenoch, Lord Frost and Steve Baker.

“To take our country forward, we need a Prime Minister with the ability, experience and character to grip the big issues we face. Rishi Sunak is the best candidate for the job,” Ms Villiers said.

“That is why I shall be nominating him to become the next leader of the Conservative Party. There is a global economic crisis, and we must move on from the political turbulence of the last two months.

“We’ve got to get this choice right. Rishi has stewarded our economy through very tough times, including the pandemic. His track record of delivery and sound judgement should give confidence to voters, to businesses, and to markets.”