Trudy Harrison, the MP who represents Keswick, says she hopes former Prime Minister Boris Johnson will stand in her party’s leadership election.
Mrs Harrison was reacting after Prime Minister Liz Truss resigned this afternoon.
The Conservative Copeland MP said: “It’s deeply disappointing to be in this situation once again. My hope this time is that we recognise who the public voted for by such a strong majority in 2019. I’ve joined with colleagues to echo the words: #BringBackBoris.
“And I very much hope he decides to stand.”
It is understood Mr Johnson – currently on a family holiday – is ‘sounding out’ party members about making a return to the premiership. Other contenders for the role are thought to be Rishi Sunak, Penny Mourdant, Suella Braverman, Ben Wallace and Kemi Badenoch.
Mrs Harrison, who was appointed as Mr Johnson’s Parliamentary Private Secretary in 2019, was named as the Minister of State for Transport earlier this year.
The step up from her previous position as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Transport, it was a promotion for staying loyal to Mr Johnson for staying loyal while others in the party were calling for his resignation following Partygate.
She backed Penny Mourdant in the last leadership contest.
The race for the premiership has begun and nominations close on Monday afternoon. Sir Graham Brady, chairman of the 1922 Committee and Jake Berry, party chairman have confirmed candidates need a minimum of 100 votes from MPs. If there is more than one candidate, the contest will move to an online vote by the party membership. It is hoped a new leader will be named next Friday.
