Kingston and Surbiton MP James Berry has said he “undecided” about who to back in the Conservative leadership race after bookies favourite Boris Johnson’s announced he would not be running.

Last week Mr Berry described the former London Mayor as a “very fine” choice for Prime Minister after David Cameron resigned following the UK’s decision to leave the European Union.

Mr Johnson announced today that he would not be standing.

Mr Berry said: “At a time when people are looking for certainty, MPs in both of the main parties need to select strong leadership candidates able to take the country forward.

“Despite being on the other side of the Brexit debate, Boris Johnson has always been loyal to London, to Kingston and to me and his speech today set out a great vision for the country.

“But he is not standing.

“I’m now deciding which of the nominated candidates to lend my support to before the party membership have the final say.”

Five MP’s have now announced their candidacy - Home Secretary Theresa May, Justice Secretary Michael Gove, Work and Pensions Secretary Stephen Crabb, energy minister Andrea Leadsom and former cabinet minister Liam Fox.

Mr Berry said: “It is seems likely to be a choice between Theresa May and Michael Gove who are both highly capable leaders able to chart a path through uncertain waters.”

He added that he thought the future PM should be a Brexit supporter considering last Thursday’s vote but would “not be impressed” if rumours that Mr Gove had betrayed Boris Johnson proved to be true.

FROM LAST WEEK: 

The Justice Secretary was expected to support fellow Brexit campaigner Mr Johnson in his leadership bid but announced his surprise candidacy this morning.

In a statement he said: “I wanted to help build a team behind Boris Johnson so that a politician who argued for leaving the EU could lead us to a better future.

"But I have come, reluctantly, to the conclusion that Boris cannot provide the leadership or build the team for the task ahead.”

Mrs May kept a low profile during the referendum campaign but described herself as a reluctant remain supporter.

During her leadership bid announcement she said: “Our country needs strong, proven leadership to steer us through this period of economic and political uncertainty, and to negotiate the best possible terms as we leave the EU.

"We need leadership that can unite our party and our country.

"With the Labour Party tearing itself to pieces, and divisive nationalists in Scotland and Wales, it is nothing less than the patriotic duty to unite and govern in the best interests of the whole country.”