Moorlands MP Karen Bradley is backing Liz Truss in the race to become the country's next Prime Minister and the leader of the Conservative Party.

The leadership race is now going into its final weeks, and a vote by Conservative Party members will decide the winner, which will be announced on 5th September.

Mrs Bradley said she faced a "difficult choice between two experienced and talented candidates" but decided to back Truss due to her "determination to deliver".

The Moorlands MP had originally backed Tom Tugendhat to be the next PM, but he is no longer in the contest having finished fifth.

Mrs Bradley explained her decision to back Liz Truss - read her thoughts below:

"This week Conservative Party members have begun posting their completed ballot papers as we choose the next prime minister of the United Kingdom.

"We are lucky to be faced with a difficult choice between two experienced and talented candidates, both of whom would do an excellent job as prime minister. However, I believe that Liz Truss is the best choice to deliver for this great country.

"Liz's determination to deliver shines through. Her number one priority is to get on with the job of delivering the manifesto we were elected on and steering the UK through today's challenges.

"Her broad experience, leading and serving in multiple departments means that she knows how government works and how to get results. The 70 trade deals that she signed whilst secretary of state for international trade are testament to that. And delivery is what the country needs now as we deal with the challenges posed by the pandemic and the war in Ukraine.

"We also need to come together, as a nation and a party. Looking at the broad coalition of supporters she has gathered around her, Liz is in a great position to do that. Successful prime ministers need to bring all wings of their party with them. That includes accepting challenge and scrutiny from talented, capable colleagues whatever their Conservative perspective. That's just one area where Liz will bring real change and show true leadership.

"Finally, I will be deeply proud if the Conservative Party gives the UK its third woman prime minister. The leadership contest showed the country just how diverse my party is. Great credit must go to David Cameron as the leader who was brave enough to attract different people to the party and to Theresa May has also always been a superb champion for women in the party and in parliament. Without their examples — or the hard work of so many who work on behalf of the party — we would not have had such a diverse set of candidates for leader.

"I have known Liz Truss for many years. We were elected together, and have worked together since 2010. I will put my cross against her name on the ballot paper."