West Dorset MP Chris Loder has declared his support for Rishi Sunak in the race to be the next Prime Minister.

Mr Loder supported Liz Truss in the last Conservative Party leadership election but says Mr Sunak is the man to deliver ‘economic stability’ for the country.

The West Dorset MP’s support helps take the former Chancellor’s publicly declared support comfortably over the 100 mark required to make the final ballot.

Chris Loder took to Twitter to announce his decision, and said: “This week, West Dorset people have made it clear to me that political and economical stability is the most important priority for me as their MP in my decision for the next Conservative Leader.

“It is clear to me that the person best placed to do this is Rishi Sunak and I am very pleased to support him with my vote on Monday.”

Tory MPs will vote on Monday, and two candidates will be put forward to the Tory membership unless one pulls out, with a result being announced on Friday.

Candidates have until 2pm on Monday to secure the 100 nominations, limiting the ballot to a maximum of three candidates.

Richard Drax, MP for South Dorset, has declared his backing for former leader Boris Johnson to return to 10 Downing Street.

Speaking to the Echo, Mr Drax said Mr Johnson was the only person with a mandate. He said: "I am supporting Boris Johnson as he is the only one of the candidates that has the mandate to lead the party and country. He’s done his time in the sin bin and it’s time for him to return, select the best team we have around him, and get on with governing the country.

"We need grown-up government and those chosen to lead must step up to the plate, forget their differences, unite and take the country forward through some very challenging times.”

The only other Dorset MP to support Boris Johnson is Christopher Chope (Christchurch).

Tobias Ellwood (Bournemouth East), Michael Tomlinson (Mid Dorset and North Poole), Simon Hoare (North Dorset) and Robert Syms (Poole) have all backed Rishi Sunak.