Shropshire MP Owen Paterson says next PM must be Brexit backer

The North Shropshire MP said the new leader of the Conservative Party should be someone who campaigned to leave the European Union.

He said: "We have had the largest vote in British history, we have had 17.4 million people, the biggest majority in British history of 1.3 million, and leave means leave and we need a strong Tory Prime Minister who will deliver leave. It is a simple as that.

"To be absolutely clear, we have to have a leader who will deliver."

Mr Paterson MP also dismissed calls for a second referendum, and warned against the negative reaction to the result from some sections of the media.

The Conservative said that there was a danger, that the negativity could talk Britain into financial crisis. He said: "The stock markets are coming back today, the pound is recovering, we are not going back to the days of making Austin Allegros, it is a lot of nonsense and it could be self fulfilling."

A number of MPs, including some from Mr Paterson's own party, have suggested there could be a second referendum on EU membership.

But, the North Shropshire MP firmly rejected the prospect and said it was now down to Government to implement the will of the people. He said: "Definitely we do not need a second referendum, we have had one and now we need to deliver it."

Chancellor and pro-Remain campaigner, George Osborne has ruled himself out of contention to lead the party, after saying it was clear he could not provide the unity needed after the EU referendum had left him a divisive figure.

Nominations are expected to open today with leading Leave campaigner Boris Johnson, and Home Secretary Theresa May, currently favourites with the bookmakers. Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt has also said he is "seriously considering" a bid for the Conservative leadership, as has former Defence Secretary Liam Fox. Work and Pensions Secretary Stephen Crabb will also contest the leadership with Business Secretary Sajid Javid as his number two.