Amber Rudd backs Jeremy Hunt in Tory leadership contest

‘We need a skilled negotiator and deal-maker, not an instruction for more optimism,’ says minister in blow for Michael Gove

Amber Rudd has backed Jeremy Hunt to be the next prime minister in a major blow to rival contender Michael Gove.

The work and pensions secretary described her cabinet colleague as ”a winner with a track record of success in business and in government”.

Writing in The Times, Ms Rudd, who resigned as home secretary over the Windrush immigration scandal but is now an influential voice within the One Nation group of Tories, said: “These are serious times and we need a respected statesman who Brussels will listen to, not more bluster.”

Ms Rudd had previously hinted that she could work with Boris Johnson if he replaces Theresa May, amid reports she was in talks to form a “dream team alliance”.

However, in what may be seen as a veiled attack on the former foreign secretary and his fellow Brexiteers, she said: “It is not enough to be told to shut your eyes, cross your fingers, pick up some magic beans and believe in Britain.

“We need a skilled negotiator and deal-maker, not an instruction for more optimism.”

The MP for Hastings and Rye said she had decided to back Mr Hunt after listening to the main candidates being questioned by 100 Tory MPs last week.

“Jeremy stands out above everyone,” she said. “I was encouraged by the methodical way in which he approached the inescapable facts of the Brexit impasse and sought to provide solutions to them.

“He is approaching this seismic challenge with confidence, craft, vision and attention to detail.

“And most importantly Jeremy is committed to respecting the Good Friday agreement and the Irish border and, crucially, to agreeing a deal with the European Union that parliament will agree to.”

Ms Rudd said Mr Hunt had “risen above playground politics” and was able to unite the different wings of the Conservative Party.

She also revealed that the foreign secretary had helped to her to win her seat in 2006 after being appointed her mentor.

“Jeremy was an invaluable source of knowledge and encouragement,” Ms Rudd said. “He approached his task of mentoring me with the same vigour and enthusiasm that he has approached all his tasks in government: with passion and a personal dedication.

“He backed me and now I back him.”

Ms Rudd’s intervention came as Mr Gove faced calls to quit the race over his cocaine confession and Rory Stewart hit out at the favourite Boris Johnson for “poisoning our politics”.