Wycombe MP Steve Baker has switched allegiances in the Tory leadership battle after a shock exit by Boris Johnson from the race to become the next Prime Minister.

Mr Baker previously said he backed his Tory colleague and fellow Brexit campaigner to take the top job at Downing Street, but announced in a tweet yesterday he would now be throwing his weight behind south Northamptonshire MP Andrea Leadsom instead.

The 45-year-old MP said she will be the “fresh start we need”.

Speaking on Wednesday, Mr Baker said: “I believe Boris has the character, charisma and the commitment to see through a good quality deal and to ensure that we have a positive and upbeat mood in this country.

“There is, for me, only one stand-out candidate capable of delivering the optimism and the energy this country needs to take this opportunity to renew itself, and that is Boris.”

He even joined Mr Johnson on the infamous battle bus which came to High Wycombe earlier this month.

Mr Johnson ruled himself out of being the next Conservative leader yesterday, causing uproar among his colleagues.

This came after a surprise declaration by Michael Gove that he was putting himself forward because he did not believe his friend and fellow Brexiteer was up to the job.

Having led a Conservative party revolt from the inside at the early stages of the campaign, Mr Baker has been applauded for his work with some believing a promotion could be on the cards should Boris take over the reins.

However, he has denied holding talks over a future role and instead says his priority is getting on the front foot as the UK leaves the European Union.