The Tories who have publicly said they would run for leader after Theresa May stands down

Despite no opening as yet, more Tories are starting to announce that they will stand for leader of the party in any future contest.

The latest person to throw their hat in the ring is former work and pensions secretary Esther McVey, who says she wants the top job after Theresa May steps down.

Asked whether she will stand in the battle to replace Mrs May, the staunchly Leave-backing MP told TalkRadio: "I have always said quite clearly if I got enough support from my colleagues, yes I would.

"Now people have come forward and I have got that support, so I will be going forward.”

The Tatton MP said the Conservative Party needed a leader who “believes in Brexit", and had "belief in the opportunities" it could bring.

Ms McVey said that Mrs May's departure should be handled in a "dignified and graceful" way.

"We all know Theresa May is dutiful," she said. "She has worked for public service for many years."

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Ms McVey, who quit the Cabinet in November in protest at Mrs May's Brexit deal, became the third Tory openly to declare her ambition to be Prime Minister.

Rory Stewart, the new International Development Secretary, kicked things off when he told Sky last month that he would throw his hat in the ring when the time came - but insisted he was not keen for Mrs May to step down immediately.

Meanwhile, Andrea Leadsom, who stood for the leadership in 2016 but pulled out to give Mrs May a clear run at the job, also announced her intention to stand this week.

She told Good Morning Britain: "I've supported her for the last three years to get Brexit over the line.

"She has said she's going so yes I am seriously considering standing.”

Several other Tories are also thought to be considering a run for the job - but none have so far been willing to commit themselves publicly.

Former Foreign Secretary is already the favourite to win the contest despite not saying he will run, while former Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab has also been given the backing of his predecessor, David Davis.

Ministers including Home Secretary Sajid Javid, Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, Health Secretary Matt Hancock and Environment Secretary Michael Gove have also been tipped as wanting the top job but have refused to state explicitly.

It is thought they are waiting until Mrs May finally announces her departure date - which she has so far refused to do.

As rivals limber up for the succession battle, Justice Secretary David Gauke warned that it would be a mistake to change the leader right now.

Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme, he urged Tory MPs to back Mrs May, saying that removing her as PM would not change the parliamentary arithmetic on Brexit.

"I think it would be a mistake to have a change of leadership at this point," said Mr Gauke.

When the Conservatives choose their next leader, the focus should be on "what is the role of the UK in a post-Brexit world and who is the best candidate to defeat Jeremy Corbyn", he added.