Next tory leadership: Theresa May says she will not tell anyone who she voted for

Theresa May says she will not tell anyone who she is backing in the battle to replace her as Conservative leader and prime minister.

Ms May confirmed that she voted in Thursday’s first round of MPs’ ballots, when Boris Johnson established a commanding lead with 114 votes to the 43 obtained by his closest rival Jeremy Hunt.

But the outgoing prime minister said she will not be offering her endorsement to any of those seeking to succeed her.

Speaking to Channel 4 News, Ms May said: “I am not backing a particular candidate. I haven’t endorsed a particular candidate.

“I did vote last Thursday. I haven’t told anybody who I voted for and I’m not going to.”

Asked which candidate was best placed to deliver Brexit, Ms May said: “I think that all of the candidates will show the qualities that are necessary to face the various challenges that we have as a country.

“They are all experienced politicians and they are setting out the way they would take the country forward.

“The leadership candidates will all be making their pledges and setting out how they see the future. I have always been clear that I think it is the best option for the UK to leave with a good deal. I believe we negotiated a good deal. But it will be for the next leader to take this forward.”