Oxfordshire Conservatives back different candidates for PM

Banbury's Victoria Prentis revealed earlier this week that she was supporting an unlikely bid by International Development Secretary Rory Stewart, who has attracted attention for a series of Twitter videos asking the public to debate him.

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But now the county's three other Tories have chosen their preferred leaders, as the race to replace Theresa May heats up.

Wantage MP Ed Vaizey has confirmed that he is supporting the environment secretary Michael Gove, after retweeting a colleague saying he has a 'proven track record of actually getting things done as a minister'.

Meanwhile, Witney's Robert Courts, who resigned from a junior government position over Brexit last year, has given former Brexit secretary Dominic Raab his backing.

Mr Courts explained: “I have made the decision to support Dominic Raab to be the next leader of the Conservative Party, and Prime Minister.

“Dominic is a unifying, collegiate candidate around whom I believe the Conservative Party and ultimately the whole country can unite.

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"I am confident that he has the leadership qualities necessary to deliver Brexit on good terms and in good time, and then to pursue a bold domestic agenda that lowers taxes, supports small business and gives everyone the opportunity to make the most of their talents.”

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While Mr Raab is seen as a hard Brexiteer, the foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt – being backed by another Oxfordshire Tory – has said 'no deal' would represent 'political suicide'.

Henley MP John Howell explained: "I am very happy to support Jeremy Hunt.

"He will bring so much to the job beyond Brexit in areas where so much needs to be done."