Mundell declares support for May in Tory leadership race

Mr Mundell, who served in David Cameron’s Government for the last six years, firstly as a Scotland Office Minister and since last year as Scottish Secretary, said he believes Mrs May is the candidate to unite the country.

He went on to reveal his backing for the current Home Secretary, describing her as a serious and competent leader.

Mr Mundell said: “In these difficult and testing times, I am backing Theresa May to be the next Conservative Party leader and the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

“Theresa will provide the strong and credible leadership the country needs as we negotiate our way out of the European Union as she is someone who has the experience of negotiating in Brussels.

“I also believe that Theresa is the best candidate for Scotland as someone who will be able to bring the whole of the United Kingdom together, which is what needs to happen in the wake of the European Union referendum result.

“Theresa is a tough negotiator who will be ready to deliver the leadership the country needs from day one.

“Whilst the leadership contest is going on, in my role as Scottish Secretary I am committed to ensuring that Scotland gets the best deal from the European Union and I will be working closely with the Scottish Government to ensure that happens.”