A SUSSEX MP has ruled herself out of the Conservative leadership contest after speculation she was preparing to run as a candidate to be the next Prime Minister.

Gillian Keegan, MP for Chichester, had been touted as a possible contender in the race to replace Boris Johnson, but she said she was “really proud” to back former Chancellor Rishi Sunak for the leadership of the party.

Ms Keegan said: “Serious times require serious people. Rishi has proven he can deliver under pressure whilst supporting people and businesses across the country.

“We must carefully navigate global inflation whilst investigating in growing our economy.

“I believe Rishi has the determination discipline and integrity to lead our country to a bright future.”

She is the second Conservative MP in the county to back Mr Sunak to be the next Prime Minister, with Health Minister and MP for Lewes Maria Caulfield also backing his bid to become leader.

Ms Caulfield said that he is the “best candidate” to deliver for the country and tackle the issue of inflation.

Ten candidates are vying for the position of party leader and Prime Minister, with Conservative MPs preparing to whittle the list to just two. The final pair of candidates will be voted on by party members to decide who will take over from Boris Johnson.

Candidates in the race also include Trade Minister Penny Mordaunt, who has been backed by Eastbourne MP Caroline Ansell - former Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt - endorsed by Worthing West MP Sir Peter Bottomley, and Sussex University alumni Kemi Badenoch.

Those running must secure the support of 20 Conservative MPs to proceed to the first round of the leadership contest.

However, Gillingham MP Rehman Chishti - who previously stood as a Labour candidate in Horsham in 2005 - is unlikely to reach this threshold, as he currently has no support from his fellow Conservative colleagues.

A new party leader and Prime Minister is expected to be announced on September 5.