CANDIDATES with no chance of becoming Prime Minister should drop out says Montgomeryshire's MP Glyn Davies.

The Conservative MP is calling for a number Conservative MPs who have put themselves forward for consideration as the UK’s next Prime Minister to withdraw their names from the ballot.

His view is that the current confusion in political leadership is damaging to the economy, to public services and to the reputation of Parliament.

On the current position as Theresa May prepares to leave No 10 Downing Street, Glyn Davies said: “It’s great that so many of my Conservative colleagues aspire to the leadership of our great country.

"But we need to bring the process to a conclusion as quickly as possible. Any candidate without at least 10 supporting MPs should drop out now. Our country needs to accelerate the leadership issue, deciding on the two names which go forward to Conservative members for decision within next two weeks.

“Bearing in mind the urgency of bringing order to our political leadership, we must put the national interest before Conservative Party procedures. And we need to focus debate on the prospective candidates who are serious candidates, with a significant level of support.

“The UK is a divided country, and we must move quickly to bring the EU membership debate to a conclusion. The serious candidates are all committed to respecting the result of the EU referendum and leaving the EU, and all want an agreed deal with the EU.

"There are nuanced differences around leaving without a deal, but we all want a deal. And we know that if Parliament will not agree a deal, there may have to be a General Election, which will increase uncertainty and lead to even more chaos.

"Every MP has a responsibility to resolve the way forward before October 31, whether we actually leave on that date or not. It’s time for decisions.”