HAMPSHIRE MPs have revealed who they will be backing as the race for Prime Minister inches towards the finish line.

Tory MPs are divided as to who should have the 'best job in the world'.

The party will be voting for either Southampton-born Rishi Sunak.

Or, foreign secretary, Liz Truss.

The results will be announced before September 5.

Eleven candidates initially indicated their intention to run to become the next Prime Minister, following Boris Johnson's resignation on July 7.

Hampshire MPs Suella Braverman and Penny Mordaunt were eliminated in earlier rounds of voting.

The Echo has been speaking to MPs in and around Southampton to see who they are backing to be the next Prime Minister.

Royston Smith - Southampton Itchen

The Southampton Itchen MP is keeping his cards close to his chest and told the Echo: "I haven’t decided yet. I’m waiting to hear their plans before I decide."

Paul Holmes - Eastleigh

MP for Eastleigh previously said he would back Foreign Affairs Committee chair, Tom Tugendhat.

Now Tugendhat has been eliminated from the race, he said he "will be listening" with interest to the final two.

He said: "I will be listening to the two candidates over the coming weeks, and I look forward to hearing their ideas for how they would deal with the many pressing issues which face our country.

"It is clear we need a leader who can not only unite the Conservative Party, but also the country, to tackle the cost of living, and preserve Britain’s security at home and abroad."

Suella Braverman - Fareham

The Attorney General was knocked out of the race in the second round of voting earlier this month.

Just hours after, she pledged her support for Liz Truss and urged her supporters to do the same.

Desmond Swayne - New Forest West

The New Forest West MP says he is backing Rishi Sunak, after previously supporting Mrs Braverman. 

He told the Echo: "I am supporting Rishi Sunak because he is the best communicator, which is obviously apparent from the televised hustings that have already taken place."

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