FORMER Wirral West MP Esther McVey has announced that she will stand for the Conservative leadership when there is a contest.

The now Tatton MP said the Conservative Party needed a leader who "believes in Brexit", and had "belief in the opportunities" it could bring.

Ms McVey, who quit as work and pensions secretary in November in protest at Theresa May's Brexit deal, told TalkRadio: "I have always said quite clearly if I got enough support from my colleagues, yes I would.

"Now people have come forward and I have got that support, so I will be going forward."

Ms McVey said that Mrs May's departure should be handled in a "dignified and graceful" way.

"We all know Theresa May is dutiful," she said. "She has worked for public service for many years."