As the Tory leadership scrap gets under way, Weaver Vale MP Graham Evans has thrown his weight behind Theresa May.
The 52-year-old said he had taken on the views of his constituents before choosing to back the current Home Secretary.
Eddisbury MP Antoinette Sandbach has also backed her to replace David Cameron.
The Conservative Party has been rocked by the EU referendum result and is seeking a new head after the Prime Minister’s resignation.
He said he ‘did not think it would be right for me to try to be the captain’ of the UK 'ship' in the wake of the Brexit victory.
Mrs May, Michael Gove and Andrea Leadsom remain in the race to succeed him.
Mr Evans, who supported the Remain campaign, said it was ‘with regret’ he heard of the PM quitting No. 10.
The Weaver Vale MP said: “Whilst I fully support him in his choice we must now look towards who will lead both the Conservative Party and the country.
“This is not a decision to be taken lightly, and it will of course have a fundamental impact on our nation.
“After feedback from Weaver Vale constituents, I believe that Theresa May has the necessary experience and leadership skills to make a highly effective Prime Minister in these ever changing times.
“She has an excellent record as Home Secretary and I know will work to unite the country moving us forward to ensure that Britain faces the challenges which lie ahead and crucially, grasps the opportunities which the future holds.”
Tory MPs will whittle the shortlist down to two before the party membership votes on a winner.
Liam Fox was the first man eliminated on Tuesday (July 5). He was quickly followed by Stephen Crabb who decided to pull out and pledge his support to the Home Secretary.
Mrs May, who also backed the failed Remain campaign, is the odds-on favourite to come out on top and secured the support of 165 MPs in the first round of voting.
She has said she will follow through with the Brexit decision, but has so far failed to confirm whether EU migrants already living in Britain will be deported or not.
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