BOTH of Reading's MPs have now thrown their weight behind Theresa May in her bid to become the next Prime Minister.

Rob Wilson announced this morning that he, along with his colleague Alok Sharma, would both be supporting the Maidenhead MP in the leadership contest.

The first round of voting opened today as the Conservative Party looks to find a new leader following David Cameron's resignation after the Brexit vote.

Mr Wilson, MP for Reading East, said the Home Secretary was the best placed candidate to "heal the divisions" in the wake of the EU referendum.

He added: "For those people who are dissatisfied with the current system, for those stuck in a generational cycle of low aspiration, actions speak far louder than words.

"Many people across the country feel an uncomfortable sense of uncertainty at the moment, but you can guarantee that Theresa May will lead the country and the Conservative Party in her typically focused, earnest and diligent fashion.

"Her long-held recognition of the need to unify all parts of this country, together with her track record of quietly demolishing what seem to be insurmountable obstacles, are exactly what’s required if we are to finally and successfully reconcile the 'us' with the 'them'."

Mr Sharma, the MP for Reading West, announced his support for Ms May last week at a Confederation of British Industry’s (CBI) banquet.

He said: "I believe serious times call for a serious candidate. Someone who is very experienced at the highest levels. Someone who is highly competent. Someone who will command respect on the international stage.

"Of course we have very many fine and able people in the Conservative Party who will be putting themselves forward for the highest office. In my party people want to get onto the front bench, not get off it. I believe the candidate with the most experience, most able to unite our country and steer us through some very choppy waters is Theresa May, our Home Secretary."

The four other candidates in the leadership bid are Andrea Leadsom, Michael Gove, Stephen Crabb and Liam Fox.

After a series of voting round within the party a new Prime Minister is expected to be selected on September 9.