READING MP Alok Sharma says he is supporting Boris Johnson in the race for the country's next Prime Minister.

The Conservative politician, who represents Reading West, believes he should be the next leader of the party.

Following Theresa May's decision to resign, there have so far been 11 different MPs to throw their hat in the ring.

Mr Johnson has recently become the subject of a criminal investigation, following claims that he lied about the amount of money the UK gave to the European Union (EU).

Mr Sharma said: "I believe that the individual best placed at this time to deliver on the three big asks of the new leader is Boris Johnson.

"That is why I am backing Boris to be the next leader of the Conservative Party and our next Prime Minister.

"I am persuaded by Boris that we need to have one more go at agreeing an amended deal with the EU.

"But we must be prepared to leave at the end of October if this is not possible. A never-ending negotiation will certainly sound the death knell of the Conservative Party as a major political force."

Mr Johnson will appear in court after a private prosecution was launched by campaigner Marcus Ball, who crowdfunded £200,000 for the case.

He was summoned to court over allegations he misled the public during the referendum in 2016.

Mr Sharma added: "We have achieved a great deal in government since 2010. Cutting taxes by raising the personal allowance. Introducing the National Living Wage. Many more pupils in outstanding and good schools.

"Giving the NHS its biggest cash boost in history. More people in work than ever before, and wages are rising faster than inflation.

"But we need to now turbo-charge our domestic agenda, focusing on key areas, like policing, schools, housing and creating a fairer society.

"These are all areas where Boris has a proven track-record of delivery during his two terms as London Mayor.

"During his time as Mayor, Boris pledged to tackle knife crime and delivered, also cutting overall crime levels by about 20 per cent. He promised to build 100,000 affordable homes and delivered on that promise too. Boris continues to have star quality and box office appeal like no other Conservative."

Other frontrunners to be the next Prime Minister include Michael Gove, Dominic Raab and Andrea Leadsom.