[Lucy.Honey]

https://news.sky.com/story/conservat...ntest-12651366

The former health secretary says Mr Sunak has the “highest standards of integrity” and wants him to win the contest between the final six candidates.

Jeremy Hunt has declared his support for former chancellor Rishi Sunak after he and Nadhim Zahawi were knocked out of the Conservative leadership race.

The ex-health secretary said Mr Sunak had a "formidable ability" to deal with the challenging economy, but also said his character would suit the top job.

"Rishi is one of the most decent straight people with the highest standards of integrity that I have ever met in British politics," he said.

"And that's why I would be proud to have him as my next prime minister."

Politics Hub: Latest reaction from Westminster as field to become next PM narrows



A total of six candidates made it through the first round of voting, with chair of the backbench 1922 Committee Sir Graham Brady revealing the number of MPs who had supported each of them.