Sajid Javid: Home secretary launches bid to replace Theresa May as Conservative leader with with #TeamSaj hashtag

The latest contender in a crowded field said he would deliver Brexit and heal the divides in Britain's communities

Home Secretary Sajid Javid during a speech in London on 20 May (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

Home Secretary Sajid Javid has announced he is joining the battle to succeed Theresa May as Conservative leader and prime minister.

Mr Javid is the latest contender in a crowded field also including Brexit figurehead Boris Johnson, foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt, health secretary Matt Hancock, former Brexit secretary Dominic Raab and ex-leader of the Commons Andrea Leadsom.

Setting out his platform the day after Tories slumped into fifth place with just 9 per cent of the vote in the European elections, he promised to deliver Brexit, but also to "bridge divides" by promoting the shared values which unite Britain.

In an apparent reference to his origins as one of five sons of a Pakistani immigrant bus-driver, he said that he wanted to do his best for "the country which has done so much for me".

In a video released on social media with the hashtag #TeamSaj, the Bromsgrove MP said: "My message is simple. It is time to rebuild trust, to find unity and to create new opportunities for our country."

Mr Javid said: "As last night's results made all too clear, we must get on and deliver Brexit to ensure there is renewed trust in our democracy.

"We must bridge divides to heal communities, reminding us of our shared values as a United Kingdom.

"And we must strengthen our society and economy so everyone can benefit from the opportunities which a prosperous nation provides.

"I love my country and my pledge to the British people is to be a leader who is always straight, fighting for their interests.

"I entered politics to do my best for this country - the country which has done so much for me. As prime minister, I would strive to achieve that ambition every single day."