Vale Conservative MP Alun Cairns has announced his support for Rishi Sunak to become the next leader of the Conservative Party. 

Eight candidates initially entered the race to win the leadership, with only Mr Sunak and Liz Truss remaining. The new leader and UK prime minister will be announced on September 5.  

In a statement made today (July 27), Mr Cairns said: "There is no doubt that this leadership race is one of the party's most important, considering the domestic and global challenges the UK is currently facing. 

"My priorities for selecting our new leader centre around responsible economic policies, helping alleviate the cost of living challenges, protecting the Union and continuing our leading role in support of Ukraine. 

"Therefore, on balance, I have decided to support Rishi Sunak. His performances at the debates have highlighted his depth of understanding of the economic challenges and his experience showed through. 

"Of course, as Chancellor, Rishi also showed that he clearly understands the perilous situation of the world economy. Although not perfect, furlough preserved millions of jobs and means that we now have the lowest levels of unemployment since the 1970s."