BROMSGROVE MP has announced he has pulled out of the race to become leader of the Conservative Party and the next Prime Minister.
Sajid Javid, who was the first to resign from his role as Health and Social Care Secretary this time last week, had put together an 18-page economic plan for the country as part of his campaign.
He needed to have the backing of 20 MPs to make it through to the next round but fell short.
There are now eight MPs left in the running.
Former Chancellor Rishi Sunak, who resigned from his post just minutes after Mr Javid, had the backing of the most of the Conservative Members of Parliament.
Next was Penny Morduant, Kemi Badenoch, Suella Braverman, Jeremy Hunt, Liz Truss, Tom Tugendhat and Nadhim Zahawi.
Mr Javid said earlier on Twitter: “I have withdrawn from the Conservative leadership race.
“We now have an opportunity to renew and reunite as a party.
“In the last few days we have already seen an abundance of talent and ideas.
“I look forward to working together and delivering for our great country.”
In a statement to the Bromsgrove Standard he added: “Serving in Government is a true privilege.
“It has been just seven days since I took the difficult decision to resign from the most important job I have ever had, as Health Secretary during a pandemic.
“Since then, I have set out the values and policies I think are right for the future of our great country.
“I believe the party must now look outwards, not inwards, if we are to win again.
“There is an abundance of both ideas and talent in our party.
“One of the candidates will be given the honour of becoming Prime Minister.
“I look forward to seeing the debate unfold and to see colleagues working together as a united Conservative Party once the leadership election is concluded.”
It will be disappointing for Mr Javid who finished fourth in the last leadership race.
