Hucknall MP Mark Spencer breaks his social media silence to throw his support behind Rishi Sunak's leadership bid

Hucknall's MP Mark Spencer has thrown his weight behind Rishi Sunak's campaign to become the next leader of the Conservative Party and therefore Prime Minister of the UK.

Boris Johnson stepped down as Conservative leader yesterday in the wake of the Chris Pincher controversy and will only remain Prime Minister in a caretaker capacity until a new leader is chosen in the autumn.

Mr Spencer who is the constituency MP for Sherwood which includes Hucknall within its boundaries, and also the Leader of the House of Commons, has been one of Mr Johnson's most ardent supporters.

He made no public or social media comment about Boris' leadership at any point this week and was not one of the many ministers who chose to resign to show their lack of confidence in the Prime Minister.

However, earlier today (8 July), Mr Spencer took to Twitter to show his support for the former Chancellor Mr Sunak, who was one of the first ministerial resignations that shook Mr Johnson's authority.

Mr Spencer tweeted: "You have to have the experience at the highest levels of Government to walk into being PM. Rishi has the skills, drive, answers to the big challenges and experience to deliver for the Country."

The Tweet also contained a picture of Mr Spencer with a statement expressing his opinion on the leadership contest written across the bottom of it. It reads: "Rishi is the leader that can unite the Party, bring the whole country together and win us that fifth general election victory. In serious times we need a person with a proven track record. Rishi gets my full support."

Whilst Mr Spencer was reluctant to give his views yesterday there was some reaction within Hucknall to Boris Johnson's resignation.

Conservative Councillor Chris Baron, who represents Hucknall West on Ashfield District Council said: "Finally Boris Johnson has resigned, obviously it was stacked against him with all the misdemeanours and inaccurate responses. He has proven that with determination, policies which have held communities back can be overcome.

"I wish the new Prime Minister (whoever it is) the very best and hope the contest is fair and the best candidate is chosen for the country. They must continue the "Levelling Up" agenda and ensure the north has the opportunities which have been made available to the south for years. Our health and education facilities need a major overhaul with repayment of our debt and be a party of low taxation must also be a priority. With the many talents of Conservative MPs at Westminster our country should go from strength to strength."

The leadership contest is expected to be completed in time for the Conservative Party conference in October.