Editor's note - Since publishing, Sajid Javid has pulled out of the race to succeed Boris Johnson as Conservative leader.

REDDITCH MP, Rachel Maclean, has announced her support for Sajid Javid in the Conservative leadership contest.

The former safeguarding minister has pledged her support for the Bromsgrove MP to be the next Prime Minister.

She said she has spoken to each of the candidates which include, former chancellor Rishi Sunak, foreign sectary Liz Truss, and international trade minister, Penny Mordaunt and considered who she believes is right not just for Redditch but “for the whole country”.

Ms Maclean said she has “considered who is the best person to cope with the cost-of-living crisis, the aftershocks of the global pandemic on the health services, the energy cost hikes, and who best embodies the Conservative values” she believes in.

“That’s why I have decided to back Sajid Javid for our next Prime Minister,” added Ms Maclean.

“I have known Sajid since 2013 and throughout that time I’ve seen his work ethic, his commitment to a life of public service and his values and principles.

“Since coming to Parliament, I have worked with him closely in two great offices of state while he was in the Home Office and in his role as Chancellor.

“He has the most government experience of any candidate that is standing.

“We need the next Prime Minister to grip the issues immediately, to bring true leadership and assemble a Cabinet and a team that can unite the Party.”

Ms Maclean added: “The other very important factor in my decision is that Sajid has strong links to Redditch.

“He has deep knowledge of the issues facing Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, and while he has been Health Secretary, he has put investment into the NHS to recruit more doctors and nurses.”

The new Conservative leader is set to be announced on September 5 with Boris Johnson remaining in position as caretaker Prime Minister until then.