STROUD MP Neil Carmichael has come out in support of Theresa May as the next Prime Minister.

Mrs May, the home secretary, has put herself forward to replace PM David Cameron alongside Conservative contenders Stephen Crabb, Liam Fox, Michael Gove and Andrea Leadsom.

Mrs May, who campaigned for Britain to stay in the EU alongside Mr Carmichael, launched her bid to be the next leader yesterday.

Speaking to the SNJ, Mr Carmichael said: "This is going to be a challenging time when we will need somebody strong, competent, able and professional to carry out negotiations after the EU referendum result.

"I think she is the one who will be able to get us the best deal and protect our economic interests.

"I also like her approach to education and think she would help us improve social mobility.

"I have watched her as home secretary and the way she has dealt with some challenging issues with the European Union.

"These will be challenging negotiations and I think she is the right person to lead them."

Mrs May is one of the favourites, alongside the justice secretary Michael Gove, to replace David Cameron who has announced he will resign in time for the party conference in October.