FOREST MP has put himself forward as a candidate to succeed Theresa May as leader of the Conservative Party and Prime Minister.

The former Chief Whip is the 12th Tory MP to throw their hat into the ring.

Mr Harper told Sky News that if others who had been in Mrs May’s Cabinet came up with a plan on Brexit, they would have to explain where it had been for the last three years.

He said that if he became Prime Minister he would look at the talent across the Conservative Party in Westminster to form a Cabinet.

Tory MPs have until June 14 to declare themselves as candidates.

The list will be whittled down to two by MPs which will then be put to the Conservative Party membership to vote on.

The new Prime Minister is expected to be in Downing Street by the end of July.